Optical Fiber Coupler With Integrated Cooling Passages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical couplers do not effectively enhance light transmission between optical fibers and facilitate cooling, which are essential for efficient optical communication and measurement systems.
Innovation Solution
The optical system includes a conduit coupler that optically and fluidly connects two conduits, each containing an optics line and a fluid passage, ensuring precise alignment and fluid coupling to enhance light transmission and cooling, utilizing connectors and a seal element for efficient alignment and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical couplers are used to connect optical fibers, then the basic coupling function is achieved, but light transmission efficiency is insufficient and cooling capability is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated coupler structure: optical fiber alignment and coupling, fluid passage connection for cooling, and structural support. The coupler body houses both the optical interface with precisely aligned fiber receptacles and the fluid passage connections, eliminating the need for separate alignment fixtures and cooling connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an optical connector for joining fibers, a fluid connector for establishing cooling pathways, and a mechanical support structure for positioning components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If optical fibers are closely aligned to improve light transmission, then transmission efficiency increases, but heat generation increases requiring effective cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fluid passages are integrated directly into the coupler body, positioning the cooling pathway in close proximity to the optical fiber connection point. This allows heat generated at the fiber interface to be rapidly conducted to the fluid passages and removed by the flowing coolant.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling fluid acts as an intermediary heat transfer medium between the hot optical fiber interface and the external cooling system. The fluid absorbs heat from the fiber through thermal conduction in the coupler walls and carries it away, preventing excessive temperature buildup at the critical optical interface.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple coupler structure is used, then manufacturing is easier, but precise alignment of optical fibers and fluid passages cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler body is pre-formed with precisely positioned receptacles for optical fibers and corresponding fluid passage openings during manufacturing. This preliminary precision positioning ensures that when fibers are inserted and connected, they automatically achieve the required alignment without requiring complex post-assembly adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler employs localized precision features such as precisely machined receptacle positions, tapered alignment surfaces, and specifically positioned fluid passage openings only where needed for the optical connection. The rest of the coupler body maintains simpler geometry for ease of manufacture, concentrating manufacturing complexity only where precision is critical.
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 significantly improves light transmission between optical fibers, achieving over 90% alignment and transmission efficiency while providing effective cooling, addressing the limitations of existing couplers.
Implementation Method 1
The first optics line is optically coupled to the second optics line at the interface
Implementation Method 2
The first fluid passage is fluidly coupled with the second fluid passage at the interface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system is provided that includes a first conduit, a second conduit and a conduit coupler. The first conduit includes a first optics line and a first fluid passage extending longitudinally along the first optics line. The second conduit includes a second optics line and a second fluid passage extending longitudinally along the second optics line. The conduit coupler removably connects the first conduit to the second conduit at an interface within the conduit coupler. The first optics line is optically coupled to the second optics line at the interface. The first fluid passage is fluidly coupled with the second fluid passage at the interface.