Optical Module Tilt Mirror for Flexible Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical transmission systems, the complexity of optical fiber connections increases with the number of optical interfaces, leading to complicated structures, and there is a need for a simpler method to change communication destinations between optical modules.
Innovation Solution
An optical module with an optical collimator and a mirror that can be tilted to couple collimated light, along with a control method that sets the tilt angle to establish connections between optical modules, allowing for flexible communication paths without the need for extensive optical fiber arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one-to-one connection by optical fibers is used for optical transmission, then high speed transmission without signal interference is achieved, but the number of optical fibers and connection complexity increase in proportion to the number of optical interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical fiber connection infrastructure and replaces it with wireless optical transmission in space. By removing the physical fiber connections and using collimated light transmission through air, the system maintains high-speed transmission while eliminating the complex fiber routing and connection management required for multi-node communication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical collimator as an intermediary device that converts divergent light from optical interfaces into collimated beams for wireless transmission. This intermediary enables signal transmission without direct fiber connection, using the space between optical interfaces as a transmission medium while maintaining signal quality
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical fibers are connected to optical switches to connect among a large number of optical interfaces, then connectivity among multiple nodes is achieved, but the structure of optical transmission lines becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional fiber routing (through switches and cables) to three-dimensional wireless optical transmission in space. By using spatial positioning and directional collimated beams, the system achieves multi-node connectivity without requiring physical fiber switches or complex cable management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of communication paths by adjusting the direction of collimated light beams rather than physically reconfiguring fiber connections. This allows flexible routing changes among multiple nodes without the mechanical complexity of optical switches
3Productivity
If the number of optical interfaces of computers increases for parallel transmission, then data transmission capacity increases, but the number of optical fibers increases in proportion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each optical interface capable of communicating with multiple other interfaces simultaneously through wireless collimated light transmission. Instead of requiring dedicated fiber connections for each interface pair, a single optical interface can establish multiple wireless communication channels, reducing the total quantity of optical fibers needed
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
This solution enables a simple and flexible structure for changing communication destinations in optical transmission systems, reducing complexity and improving the ability to connect multiple optical modules efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
an optical collimator to take in and output collimated light
Implementation Method 2
a mirror capable of taking a tilt angle to make the collimated light and the optical collimator be coupled
Data Source
AI summary
In order to change opposed communication destinations in a simple structure, an optical module includes an optical collimator to take in and output collimated light and a mirror capable of taking a tilt angle to make the collimated light and the optical collimator be coupled.