Optical Component Arrays with Fused Fiber Radial Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication modules with numerous optical components face challenges in compact assembly and increased manufacturing costs due to complex fiber optic splicing, leading to potential reliability issues and volume constraints.
Innovation Solution
An optical component array device featuring an elongated support member with fused fiber components arranged radially and secured using adhesive material, reducing the need for individual splices and optimizing space within the module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of individual optical components are used in communication modules, then the functionality and optical signal transmission capability are improved, but the housing volume requirement increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual optical components are merged into a single integrated optical component array. The array comprises multiple optical components (such as optical couplers, isolators, circulators) arranged in a compact configuration and mounted on a common substrate or housing, allowing multiple optical functions to be performed within a single compact unit rather than requiring separate housings for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical component array is designed as a multi-functional unit that can perform multiple optical signal processing functions simultaneously. Different types of optical components with different functionalities (coupling, isolation, circulation) are integrated into a single array structure, enabling one housing to provide universal optical component functionality that previously required multiple separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of individual optical components are positioned and organized, then the optical functionality is achieved, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components into a pre-integrated array structure that is manufactured as a unified assembly. This merging approach reduces the number of separate assembly steps required, as the entire array can be installed as a single unit rather than individually positioning and assembling multiple separate optical components, thereby reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components are pre-positioned, pre-aligned, and pre-integrated into the array structure during the manufacturing process before deployment. This preliminary action of assembling the complete optical array in advance eliminates the need for complex on-site alignment and positioning operations, significantly reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If numerous optical fiber splices are performed between sequential optical components, then the optical signal path is established, but manufacturing cost increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple optical components into a single array with internal optical interconnections, the patent eliminates the need for numerous external fiber splices between separate components. The optical signal path is established through internal optical pathways within the integrated array structure, reducing the total number of splice points and thereby improving system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the harmful element of multiple fiber splices from the system architecture. By designing the optical component array with internal optical interconnections rather than requiring external fiber coupling between components, the design removes the reliability-degrading splices while maintaining the optical signal path functionality.
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
This configuration simplifies assembly, reduces manufacturing complexity, enhances reliability by minimizing splices, and allows for more efficient use of space within communication modules.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive material couples the plurality of fused fiber optical components to the elongated support member
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to devices, which may be used in communication or optoelectronic modules for example, suitable for arrayed positioning of a plurality of fiber optical components. In one form, an optoelectronic module includes a printed circuit board (“PCB”). The module also includes an optical component array device which includes an elongated support member and an array of fused fiber optical components positioned around and coupled with the elongated support member. A recursive fiber may extend between an output of a first fused fiber optical component and an input of a second fused fiber optical component, and an optical fiber routing member may be coupled to the PCB and include a plurality of guides extending away from the PCB and defining a pathway for routing optical fibers relative to the PCB.