Optical Fiber Coupler With Integrated Cooling Fluid Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical couplers lack effective means to enhance light transmission and facilitate cooling for optical fibers, necessitating improved designs that can efficiently couple and cool optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
A conduit fitting with a first connector, a first conduit, a first ferrule, and a first nut, configured to wedge the ferrule radially between the connector and the conduit fitting, forming an optical and fluid interface that aligns and secures optical fibers while allowing for fluid coupling, enhancing light and fluid transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional optical couplers are used, then basic optical coupling is achieved, but light transmission efficiency is insufficient and cooling capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical coupling and fluid cooling functions into a single integrated coupler structure. The body houses both optical fiber alignment features and fluid passage routing, eliminating the need for separate cooling mechanisms and improving light transmission through optimized optical pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it aligns optical fibers, transmits light signals, routes cooling fluid, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving enhanced light transmission and cooling without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If optical fibers are tightly coupled to improve light transmission, then alignment precision is improved, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cooling fluid passages as an intermediary thermal management system. The fluid flows through channels in the coupler body, absorbing heat from the tightly coupled optical fibers while maintaining their precise alignment, thus resolving the heat dissipation issue without compromising optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler incorporates localized cooling channels positioned strategically near heat-generating optical components. This local quality approach provides targeted heat dissipation where needed most, maintaining precise fiber alignment while effectively managing thermal loads through region-specific cooling.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple coupler structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but cooling capability and light transmission enhancement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed with segmented modular components including a body, cap, and interchangeable ferrules. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while the assembled structure provides integrated cooling channels and optical alignment features for reliable performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the form of interchangeable ferrules with different optical properties and cooling requirements. This allows the basic coupler structure to remain simple and easy to manufacture, while specific performance parameters can be adjusted by selecting appropriate ferrules, ensuring reliable cooling and optical transmission.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides enhanced light transmission and cooling capabilities by aligning optical fibers with high overlap and sealing fluid passages, promoting efficient communication and thermal management in optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first nut threaded onto the conduit fitting and configured to wedge the first ferrule radially between the first connector and the conduit fitting
Implementation Method 2
coupled to optically couple the first optics line to the second optics line at an optical interface within the conduit coupler
Implementation Method 3
a first fluid passage... fluidly coupled with the first port
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system is provided that includes a conduit fitting, a first connector, a first conduit, a first ferrule and a first nut. The conduit fitting includes a receptacle. The first connector is disposed within the receptacle. The first connector includes a first bore, a first counterbore and a first port radially outboard of the first bore. The first conduit includes a first optics line and a first fluid passage. The first conduit projects longitudinally into the first counterbore and is attached to the first connector. The first optics line projects longitudinally into the first bore. The first fluid passage is fluidly coupled with the first port. The first ferrule circumscribes the first connector. The first nut is threaded onto the conduit fitting and is configured to wedge the first ferrule radially between the first connector and the conduit fitting.