Optical Transceiver Cover With Adjustable Feedback Aperture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety measures for laser-based optical transceivers, such as personal protective equipment and laser keep-out zones, are inadequate in preventing eye injuries and protecting the transceiver surfaces, and there is a need for improved methods to keep optical surfaces clean and safe during operation and storage.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus configured to block or allow controlled transmission between the transmitter and receiver of an optical transceiver, featuring a movable portion with blocking structures and adjustable apertures to manage radiation levels, providing safety and feedback for testing and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional safety measures such as personal protective equipment and laser keep out zones are implemented, then safety risks from laser hazards are partially mitigated, but these measures are only as effective as the individuals carrying out the procedures and do not adequately protect eye injuries or transceiver surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The optical apparatus automatically blocks harmful radiation and protects transceiver surfaces without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by directing transmitted light onto a feedback reflector that returns it to the receiver, eliminating dependency on human operators to implement safety procedures correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback reflector is introduced as an intermediary element between the transmitter and receiver. This reflector mediates the light path by reflecting transmitted light back to the receiver for feedback testing while simultaneously preventing direct exposure to harmful radiation, providing a safe automated testing mechanism.
2Reliability
If optical surfaces are kept protected and clean prior to operation and for longer term storage, then surface protection is improved, but additional measures are needed to protect the transceiver in feedback testing
Solution Approach 1:
The optical apparatus performs multiple functions: it blocks harmful radiation during normal operation, protects transceiver surfaces during storage, and enables safe feedback testing by directing light onto the feedback reflector. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate protection systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking structure and feedback testing mechanism are merged into a single integrated apparatus. The same structure that blocks harmful radiation also directs light to the feedback reflector for testing, combining protection and testing functions in one system rather than requiring separate mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the apparatus blocks transmission from the transmitter to the receiver, then safety is improved by blocking harmful radiation, but feedback testing capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking structure is designed with local variations in opacity, allowing it to block harmful radiation in certain directions while permitting controlled light transmission to the feedback reflector in specific zones. This spatial differentiation enables simultaneous radiation protection and feedback testing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback reflector serves as an intermediary that receives blocked light and redirects it to the receiver for feedback testing. This mediator enables feedback capability without requiring direct transmission paths that would compromise safety blocking.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the movable portion is configured to move between block state and transmission states, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking structure incorporates a movable portion that can dynamically transition between block state and transmission states, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements. This dynamic capability enables the apparatus to switch between protecting the transceiver and enabling feedback testing as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking structure is segmented into movable and stationary portions, allowing independent movement of the movable portion to control light transmission. This segmentation enables flexible state transitions while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manageable.
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 apparatus ensures safe operation by blocking harmful radiation, protects transceiver surfaces, and facilitates efficient testing and maintenance by allowing variable light feedback, reducing the risk of damage and improving safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
The movable portion is configured to move relative to the base portion between a block state wherein the movable portion is configured to block transmission from a transmitter to a receiver
Implementation Method 2
The transmission aperture can include an angled surface configured to reflect light from the transmitter channel to the receiver channel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An optical apparatus (102) can be configured to cover an optical transceiver (104). At least a portion of the apparatus (102) can be configured to move relative to the transceiver (104) between a block state wherein the apparatus (102) is configured to block transmission from a transmitter (106) of the optical transceiver to a receiver (108) of the optical transceiver as well as block emission from the transmitter (106) to the atmosphere, and one or more transmit states wherein the apparatus (102) is configured to allow at least partial transmission from the transmitter (106) of the optical transceiver to a receiver (108) of the optical transceiver while blocking emission from the transmitter (106) to the atmosphere.