Integrated Optical Module for Single-Port PoE and Fiber Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication devices, such as switches and APs, face challenges in miniaturization due to the need for separate optical and electrical ports for optical fiber and power connectors, which occupy significant panel space.
Innovation Solution
An integrated optical module that combines optical-to-electrical conversion and power transmission functions, allowing a single port for both optical signal and power transmission, reducing the need for separate electrical ports and facilitating miniaturization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate optical and electrical ports are used for optical fiber and power connectors, then reliable optical signal and power transmission is achieved, but panel space is significantly occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate optical and electrical ports into an integrated optical port that accommodates both optical fiber connectors and power connectors. The optical module includes both an optical connector for optical fiber connection and an electrical connector for power connection, merging previously separate functions into a single integrated component that reduces panel space while maintaining transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module is designed with multi-functionality to serve both optical signal transmission and power transmission through a single port. The module includes components for both optical connection and electrical connection, allowing it to perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated ports, thereby reducing the overall panel area required.
2Reliability
If separate electrical ports are used for power connectors, then dedicated power transmission is ensured, but device miniaturization is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connector for power transmission with the optical connector into a single integrated optical module. This integration eliminates the need for separate electrical ports while ensuring dedicated power transmission capability, thereby reducing device complexity and enabling miniaturization of communication devices such as switches and APs.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical module is designed as a universal component that handles both optical signal transmission and electrical power transmission through its dual-connector design. This multi-functional approach eliminates redundant separate ports, simplifies device structure, and facilitates miniaturization while maintaining reliable power transmission.
3Reliability
If multiple separate connectors are used for optical and electrical interfaces, then specific functions are optimized, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connectors (optical fiber connector and power connector) into a single integrated optical module with a unified structure. This integration simplifies manufacturing processes and assembly operations by reducing the number of separate components that need to be produced and assembled, while maintaining the specialized functions of each interface through dedicated connection components within the integrated module.
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 integrated optical module reduces panel size requirements by enabling both optical signal and power transmission through a single port, promoting miniaturization of communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
an optical-to-electrical conversion component configured to convert an optical signal to an electrical signal
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical module, a communication device, and a PoE device are provided. The optical module includes a housing (1), an optical component (2), and a power supply component (3). The housing (1) has a first socket (11) and a second socket (12). The optical component (2) includes a first optical connector (21), an optical-to-electrical conversion component (22), and a second optical connector (23) that are sequentially connected. The power supply component (3) includes a first electrical connector (31), a power supply line (32), and a second electrical connector (33) that are sequentially connected. Both the optical-to-electrical conversion component (22) and the power supply line (32) are located in the housing (1), the first optical connector (21) is located in the first socket (11), the first electrical connector (31) is located at the first socket (11), the first optical connector (21) and the first electrical connector (31) are independent of each other, the second optical connector (23) and the second electrical connector (33) are located in the second socket (12), and the first socket (11) is configured to insert a composite cable that matches the optical module. A power connector of the composite cable is electrically connected to the communication device by using the optical module, and the power connector of the composite cable does not need to be inserted into the communication device, so that panel space of the communication device can be reduced, and miniaturization development of the communication device is facilitated.