Optical Fiber Module With Independent Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical fiber modules lack the capability to efficiently manage multiple independent channels for data transmission and reception, leading to limitations in simultaneous bi-directional or tri-directional optical signal handling.

Innovation Solution

The optical fiber module design incorporates two independent channels with separate optical fibers, transmitters, and receivers, along with a circuit board and flexible circuit films for electrical connections, enabling simultaneous independent data transmission and reception through aligned and misaligned pins or contacts, and includes optical filters and ferrules for precise signal management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent channels are implemented using separate optical fibers, transmitters, and receivers, then the capability to handle simultaneous bi-directional or tri-directional optical signals is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle simultaneous bi-directional or tri-directional optical signalsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical fiber module is divided into multiple independent channels, each with its own optical fiber, transmitter, and receiver. This segmentation allows each channel to operate independently, enabling simultaneous bi-directional or tri-directional signal handling while maintaining modular complexity management

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by arranging multiple optical fibers and their corresponding transmitters/receivers in different spatial positions within the module. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple channels to coexist physically, resolving the complexity issue through organized spatial distribution rather than functional entanglement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If aligned and misaligned pins or contacts are used for electrical connections, then signal integrity between channels is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs both aligned and misaligned pin arrangements for different channels. This asymmetric design allows signal differentiation between channels while maintaining reliable electrical connections. The misalignment creates distinct signal paths that prevent interference, achieving signal integrity without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing tolerances across all connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If optical filters and ferrules are incorporated for precise signal management, then interference between channels is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal integrityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Optical filters are introduced as intermediary components between the optical fibers and the transmitters/receivers. These filters act as mediators that selectively pass desired wavelengths while blocking others, thereby reducing inter-channel interference. The ferrules serve as intermediary structures that precisely position and align the optical fibers, achieving signal management without direct complex coupling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design allows for efficient and independent data transmission and reception between external devices and the optical fiber module, enhancing the handling of bi-directional or tri-directional optical signals by ensuring signal integrity and reducing interference between channels.

Implementation Method 1

a first optical transmitter in the casing, wherein the first optical transmitter is configured to emit a first optical signal to the first optical fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from optical transmitter: Light

Implementation Method 2

a first optical fiber having a portion in the casing; a first optical transmitter in the casing, wherein the first optical transmitter is configured to emit a first optical signal to the first optical fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical signal transmission through optical fiber: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 3

a first optical receiver in the casing, wherein the first optical receiver is configured to receive a second optical signal from the second optical fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection by optical receiver: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9252882B2Optical fiber module

Publication Date: 2016.02.02 EZCONN

AI summary

An optical fiber module includes: a casing; a first optical fiber having a portion in the casing; a first optical transmitter in the casing, wherein the first optical transmitter is configured to emit a first optical signal to the first optical fiber; a second optical fiber having a portion in the casing, wherein optical signals transmitted through the second optical fiber are independent from those transmitted through the first optical fiber; and a first optical receiver in the casing, wherein the first optical receiver is configured to receive a second optical signal from the second optical fiber.