Optical Switching Device Base Mounting and Thermal Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current optical devices face challenges in minimizing height due to the inclusion of optical benches, which add significant height and can lead to mechanical stress and misalignment, especially in telecommunications equipment where space constraints are critical.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves omitting optical benches by directly mounting optical components on a base with a thermally matched ceramic material, stiffening the base with a cover, and using flexible mounts to the external chassis, thereby reducing mechanical stresses and deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If optical benches are used to hold optical components, then mechanical stability and alignment are improved, but device height increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoiddevice height

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the optical bench from the housing structure and directly mounts optical components onto the housing base. This extraction eliminates the additional height layer while maintaining structural support through direct attachment of components like the diffraction grating and lenses to the base.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of the optical bench and housing base into a single integrated structure. The housing base serves both as the structural enclosure and as the mounting platform for optical components, eliminating the need for a separate optical bench layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Length of stationary object

If optical components are directly mounted on the housing base, then device height is reduced, but mechanical stress and deformation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice heightVSAvoidmechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure where the housing base is reinforced with rigid ribs integrated into its design. This composite approach combines the base material with structural reinforcement elements to distribute and reduce mechanical stress while maintaining the direct-mount configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates curved or rounded features in the mounting surfaces and component interfaces to distribute stress more evenly across contact areas, reducing peak stress concentrations that would occur with purely flat, rigid interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Stress or pressure

If the base is stiffened with rigid structures, then deformation under pressure is reduced, but susceptibility to shock and vibration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeformation under pressureVSAvoidshock and vibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a semi-flexible mounting system where optical components are attached with controlled compliance. The mounting structure allows for dynamic response to external shocks and vibrations while maintaining positional stability during normal operation, balancing rigidity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates damping elements and compliant mounting features that absorb and dissipate shock energy before it can transmit to the optical components. These cushioning features are built into the mounting structure to protect against external mechanical disturbances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 approach results in a compact optical switching device with improved optomechanical stability, reduced deformation under pressure, and enhanced resistance to shock and vibration, while maintaining precise alignment and reducing the overall height of the device.

Implementation Method 1

a first portion comprised of ceramic having a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) matched to that of the switching engine to within 2 ppm/°C

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion matching: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

optics for dispersing and redirecting the wavelength channels between the input and output ports

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS9563021B2Optical switching device

Publication Date: 2017.02.07 WELLS FARGO BANK NA

AI summary

An optical switching device including an optical switching engine may be packaged by omitting an optical bench and disposing optical elements directly on a base of a housing of the optical switching device. The optical switching engine may be disposed on a ceramic portion of the base, and thermally matched to the ceramic base. The base may be reinforced by the housing walls and optional internal rigidity ribs. The optical elements may be thermally matched to the base, and the lid may be strain relieved by thinning lid edges. The housing may be mounted to an external chassis using soft grummets.