Optical Fiber Switch for High-Speed Laser Beam Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser systems require multiple separate laser sources to perform various functions, which is costly and space-intensive, and lacks efficient high-speed beam switching with minimal power loss.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber switch that redirects a single laser beam along different axes using a redirector and a mover component, allowing for rapid switching between multiple directions with minimal power loss, utilizing a stator and rotor mechanism and a control system to maintain constant switching speed regardless of temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate laser sources are used to perform multiple functions, then functional versatility is improved, but system cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single laser source that can perform multiple functions by using an optical switch to direct the laser beam to different optical fibers. This allows one laser source to replace multiple separate laser sources, achieving functional versatility while reducing space requirements and system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple laser delivery paths into a single optical switch system. The optical switch integrates multiple optical fiber connections to a single laser source, merging what would otherwise require separate laser sources into one unified system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate laser sources are used to perform multiple functions, then functional versatility is improved, but manufacturing and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switch enables a single laser source to perform multiple functions by directing the beam to different optical fibers, eliminating the need to manufacture and maintain multiple separate laser sources, thereby reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple laser delivery functions into a single optical switch system, reducing the total number of laser sources that need to be manufactured and maintained.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a redirector is moved between positions to switch beam direction, then beam switching capability is improved, but power loss during movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switch uses a rotor component that rotates to different fixed positions to direct the laser beam to different optical fibers. This periodic rotational action allows rapid switching between beam directions with minimal movement, reducing power loss during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable rotor component that can dynamically change position to redirect the laser beam. This dynamic positioning capability enables fast beam switching while minimizing the distance and time required for movement, thereby reducing power loss.
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
Enables a compact system to perform multiple functions with a single laser source, achieving high-speed beam switching and minimizing power loss, thus reducing costs and space requirements while maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The redirector includes an input reflective surface that is positioned in the path of the input beam along the directed axis and an output reflective surface that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the input reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
the optical fiber switch further comprises a director having a director reflective surface that directs the input beam from the input axis to the directed axis
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber switch (16) for alternatively redirecting an input beam (14) comprises a redirector (18) and a redirector mover (20). The redirector (18) is positioned in the path of the input beam (14) along a directed axis (344A). The redirector (18) redirects the input beam (14) so that a redirected beam (46) alternatively launches from the redirector (18) (i) along a first redirected axis (354) that is spaced apart from the directed axis (344A) when the redirector (18) is positioned at a first position (348), and (ii) along a second redirected axis (356) that is spaced apart from the directed axis (344A) when the redirector (18) is positioned at a second position (350) that is different from the first position (348). The redirector mover (20) moves the redirector (18) about a movement axis (366) between the first position (348) and the second position (350). The redirector mover (20) includes a stator component (320A) and a rotor component (320B) that moves relative to the stator component (320A). The input beam (14) is directed along the directed axis (344A) substantially between the stator component (32A) and the redirector (18) prior to the input beam (14) being redirected by the redirector (18).