Optical Fiber Module Segmentation for Host Device Wiring Simplification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As the amount of data in optical communications increases, the configuration of optical fiber cables within optical devices becomes complicated, leading to a need for simplification.
Innovation Solution
An optical device comprising a host device with an optical engine and an internal connector, and an optical fiber module with first and second connectors, where the number of first optical fibers matches the internal fibers, allowing for simplified configuration and optional inclusion of a light source module or polarization maintaining fibers for reduced light loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If optical fiber cables are increased to handle larger data amounts, then data transmission capacity is improved, but the configuration complexity inside the optical device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical device into a host device and a separate optical fiber module. The optical fiber module contains the optical engines and optical fiber cables, while the host device contains the electronic circuit board. This segmentation isolates the complex optical fiber connections into a separate module, simplifying the host device configuration while maintaining high data transmission capacity through multiple optical fiber cables in the module.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple optical fiber cables are provided for high data capacity, then data transmission capacity is improved, but the wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the optical engine inside the optical fiber module housing, with optical fiber cables extending from the optical engine to optical connectors. The optical fiber module itself is then attached to the host device, creating a nested structure where the optical subsystem is contained within a modular unit. This nesting consolidates multiple cables and connectors into a single attachable module, reducing wiring complexity at the host device level.
3Ease of operation
If optical connectors are attached to the panel for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the structural complexity of the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical connectors and optical fiber cables from the host device housing and places them in a separate optical fiber module. This extraction allows the optical connectors to be easily accessible on the optical fiber module housing while the main host device housing remains structurally simpler. The optical fiber module can be independently attached or detached, providing operational ease without complicating the main housing structure.
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 simplifies the internal fiber configuration and wiring within the host device, reduces light loss, and eliminates the need for a light emitting function in the optical engine by using a separate light source module, while enabling efficient optical signal transmission and reception.
Implementation Method 1
The optical engine converts electrical signals into optical signals
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of optical fiber cables propagates the optical signal converted by the optical engine
Implementation Method 3
The optical connector is attached to a panel constituting the side surface of the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device according to one embodiment includes: a host device having an optical engine and an internal optical connector; and an optical fiber module attached to and detached from the host device. The optical fiber module includes a housing having a first surface exposed in a state of being attached to the host device and a second surface facing an opposite side of the first surface, and at least one first optical connector provided on the first surface. Furthermore, the optical fiber module includes a second optical connector provided on the second surface and capable of being optically connected to the internal optical connector; and first optical fibers optically connecting the first optical connector and the second optical connector to each other, and the number of first optical fibers being the same as the number of internal fibers.