Optical Switch Assembly for Compact N×M Fiber Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical switching topologies in datacenters face challenges with size constraints and limited configuration options, making it impractical to increase the number of optical ports while accommodating spatial limitations and minimizing complexity for efficient signal routing.
Innovation Solution
An optical switch assembly with a first and second switch member, each supporting a plurality of optical fibers, allows for selective rotation to align different subsets of fibers for transmitting signals, enabling N×M input-output permutations through actuators and potentially fixed or rotatable configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical switching topology is used, then the structure is simple, but the number of optical ports is limited and size constraints prevent expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switching device is divided into multiple independent switch members (first switch member, second switch member, etc.), each capable of supporting multiple optical fibers. This segmentation allows each member to be compact while the collective system provides numerous optical ports, resolving the contradiction between port quantity and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs three-dimensional spatial arrangement where switch members are positioned at different locations and orientations. Optical fibers extend from multiple switch members in different directions, utilizing vertical and lateral dimensions to increase port density without proportionally increasing the device footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more optical ports are added to increase configuration options, then versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each switch member is designed as a universal component capable of supporting multiple optical fibers and enabling various connection configurations. The switch members can be independently positioned and oriented to create different routing patterns, providing configuration versatility without requiring complex specialized components for each port.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch members are configured to be movable relative to each other, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of optical fiber connections. This mobility enables the same physical structure to provide multiple configuration options, increasing versatility while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Assemblies and methods are provided for optical switch assemblies. An example optical switch assembly includes a first switch member configured to support a first plurality of optical fibers. The first switch member is designed to selectively rotate about a first longitudinal axis. The assembly further includes a second switch member configured to support a second plurality of optical fibers. The second switch member defines a second longitudinal axis aligned with the first longitudinal axis. In a first position of the first switch member, a first subset of the first plurality of optical fibers is aligned with a first subset of the second plurality of optical fibers for transmitting optical signals therebetween. In a second position of the first switch member, a second subset of the first plurality of optical fibers is aligned with a second subset of the second plurality of optical fibers for transmitting optical signals therebetween.