Optical Filter Device for Continuous Link Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical reflective devices in fiber optic connectors are operational only when a dust cap is installed, rendering them useless when the connector is mated, making it difficult and costly for network operators to monitor and test optical links in optical networks.

Innovation Solution

A compact optical filter device that can be installed at connector nodes, allowing for optical reflective events at predetermined wavelengths, enabling continuous link verification and testing even when the connector is mated, using a Bragg grating on an optical waveguide to reflect specific wavelengths while allowing others to pass.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a reflective device is incorporated in a dust cap to monitor the optical network, then the optical link can be monitored when the dust cap is installed, but the device becomes non-operational when the dust cap is removed and the connector is mated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelink monitoring capabilityVSAvoidoperational status in different conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The optical filter device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a protective dust cap and an operational monitoring device. The device can monitor optical links in both unmated (dust cap installed) and mated (connector connected) conditions, eliminating the limitation of previous single-function dust caps that only worked when installed but not when removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical filter device acts as an intermediary element that can be inserted between the optical connector and the network infrastructure. It provides a reflective interface for monitoring without interfering with the primary optical connection, allowing simultaneous operation as both a protective cover and an active monitoring component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If technicians physically test each connector to verify link continuity, then accurate monitoring is achieved, but the process becomes expensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelink verification accuracyVSAvoidtesting time and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The optical filter device enables self-monitoring of the optical link without requiring external technician intervention. The reflective property of the device allows the system to automatically detect and report link continuity status, eliminating the need for manual physical testing by technicians while maintaining accurate monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device provides continuous feedback about link continuity through its reflective properties. By monitoring the reflected optical signal, the system automatically receives information about link status, enabling real-time monitoring without requiring periodic manual testing and reducing both time and cost associated with verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If a compact optical filter device is installed at connector nodes for continuous monitoring, then link verification becomes efficient and continuous, but the device complexity increases compared to simple dust caps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical filter device utilizes changes in optical parameters (wavelength reflection properties) to achieve monitoring functionality. By incorporating a Bragg grating that reflects specific wavelengths while allowing others to pass, the device creates distinct optical signatures that enable continuous monitoring without requiring complex mechanical or electronic systems, thus improving productivity while limiting complexity growth.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 flexible and efficient monitoring and testing of optical links without requiring technicians to physically test each connector, reducing costs and time by allowing continuous verification of link continuity through reflective events at connection nodes.

Implementation Method 1

using a Bragg grating on an optical waveguide to reflect specific wavelengths while allowing others to pass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBragg diffraction: Bragg Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP3488276B1Optical reflective filter devices and optical networks using the same

Publication Date: 2022.03.30 CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC

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AI summary

Optical filter devices for providing a reflective event in an optical network are disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical filter device comprises an optical filter assembly for reflecting one or more preselected wavelengths and a housing. In one embodiment, the housing comprises a plug end and a receptacle end for optical connection into a link or connection node of an optical network. The housing comprises a passageway between the plug end and the receptacle end, and the plug end comprises a shroud with a single fiber connector footprint. At least a portion of the optical filter assembly is disposed within the passageway of the housing. The optical filter devices disclosed allow the network operator the flexibility to choose where to position a reflective location in the optical network along with the ability to move, add or change the reflective location as desired.