Optical Fiber Module With Integrated Connectors for Easier Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Identifying and wiring optical fiber cables and connectors becomes complicated when the number of cables and connectors is large, making the connection process cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

An optical fiber module with a housing, first and second optical connectors, and a first optical fiber connecting them, along with a light source module to supply light to the optical engine, simplifies the connection process by attaching to a host device with an internal optical connector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If multiple optical fiber cables and connectors are used to achieve high-capacity optical connections, then the optical transmission capability is improved, but the complexity of connecting and wiring becomes excessive and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of optical fiber cablesVSAvoidcomplexity of connecting optical connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple optical fiber cables and connectors into a single optical fiber module housing. The module contains a plurality of optical fiber cables with connectors that are nested within the housing structure, allowing multiple connection functions to be contained within one compact unit that can be easily attached to and detached from the host device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple optical fiber cables, connectors, and related components into a single integrated optical fiber module. This merging of previously separate components into one unified module simplifies the connection process by reducing the number of individual connection operations required while maintaining the capability to support multiple high-capacity optical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple optical fiber cables and connectors are used to achieve high-capacity optical connections, then the optical transmission capability is improved, but the wiring process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of optical fiber cablesVSAvoidefficiency of connecting optical connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical fiber module is pre-assembled with multiple optical fiber cables and connectors configured and connected within the housing before installation. This preliminary assembly of the connection components within the module eliminates the need for on-site connection work, allowing the entire module to be simply attached to the host device and immediately become operational.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If an optical fiber module is designed to be easily attached and detached from a host device, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural complexity of the module increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attaching and detaching moduleVSAvoidstructural complexity of optical fiber module

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical fiber module into distinct functional components: a housing structure, multiple optical fiber cables with connectors, a light source module, and a control circuit board. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and assembled, facilitating easy attachment and detachment of the entire module from the host device while managing structural complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates easy connection of optical connectors by optically connecting the module's second connector to the host device's internal connector, reducing complexity and potentially reducing light loss through the use of polarization maintaining fibers.

Implementation Method 1

a first optical fiber optically connecting the first optical connector and the second optical connector to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

a light source module supplying light to the optical engine via the second optical connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS12619040B2Optical fiber module

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

An optical fiber module is attached to and detached from a host device having an optical engine and an internal optical connector optically connected to the optical engine. 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 the first surface; at least one first optical connector provided on the first surface; and a second optical connector provided on the second surface and capable of being optically connected to the internal optical connector. Furthermore, the optical fiber module includes: a first optical fiber optically connecting the first optical connector and the second optical connector to each other; and a light source module supplying light to the optical engine via the second optical connector.