Optical Transmission Module Movable Mounting for Tensile Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical transmission modules are susceptible to tensile forces applied to optical fibers, which can disrupt light coupling and potentially damage the modules due to stress on the ferrule.

Innovation Solution

The optical transmission module features a case that movably holds a communication module with a hook part, allowing the module to move along the optical axis while maintaining optical coupling, thereby absorbing tensile forces and reducing external influence on the optical fiber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the optical communication module is rigidly fixed to the case, then the structural stability is improved, but the module becomes susceptible to tensile forces from optical fibers that can disrupt light coupling and cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidresistance to tensile force
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical communication module is designed to be movable relative to the case along the optical axis, transforming the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. This allows the module to move in response to tensile forces from optical fibers, preventing stress accumulation that would disrupt light coupling or cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position of the optical communication module along the optical axis is made variable rather than fixed. By allowing the module to change its position dynamically, the system can accommodate tensile forces from optical fibers without compromising either structural stability or reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the optical communication module is made movable along the optical axis, then the resistance to tensile force is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for movable mounting mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to tensile forceVSAvoidmovable mounting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is segmented into separate functional components: a movable mounting mechanism that allows the optical communication module to move along the optical axis, and a fixed case structure. This segmentation enables the movable functionality to be isolated and simplified, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to resist tensile forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP1798583B1Optical transmission module
Publication Date: 2013.02.27 OCLARO JAPAN INC
  • EP1798583B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1798583B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1798583B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an optical transmission module having a communication module which is freely movable in a case, when a tensile force is generated on an optical cable after connection of an optical transmission module, optical coupling surface and an optical axis center follow each other and thus stable optical transmission can be constantly performed.