Optical Fiber Switching Node Self-Powering via Signal Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote optical path switching techniques require the installation of devices that transmit laser beams in telecommunications carrier buildings, leading to high installation and operation costs, and increase the number of optical fiber core wires needed for power supply, potentially causing a shortage for communication purposes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical line switching node device that photoelectrically converts communication optical signals and uses stored energy for remote optical path switching, eliminating the need for a device that transmits a laser beam and reducing the number of optical fiber core wires required for power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a device for transmitting a laser beam is installed in a telecommunications carrier building to perform remote optical path switching, then remote optical path switching can be achieved, but the installation cost and operation cost become high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes communication optical fibers serve dual purposes: both transmitting communication signals and providing power for remote optical path switching. By photoelectrically converting communication optical signals at the remote switching node, the system eliminates the need for separate power supply infrastructure and laser beam transmission devices, achieving multi-functionality of existing communication fibers
Solution Approach 2:
The remote optical path switching node performs self-powering by photoelectrically converting the communication optical signals that pass through it. The communication optical signals themselves become the power source, enabling the switching node to serve itself without external power supply or additional laser transmission equipment
2Extent of automation
If multiple optical line switching node devices are installed in an access field to perform remote optical path switching, then remote optical path switching capability is improved, but the number of optical fiber core wires for power supply increases
Solution Approach 1:
Communication optical fibers are made to serve dual purposes: transmitting communication signals and providing power for switching nodes. This eliminates the need for separate power supply fibers, allowing multiple switching nodes to be deployed without increasing total fiber core requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power supply function and communication function into a single optical fiber system. By combining these functions, the system avoids the need for separate power supply infrastructure and reduces the total number of fiber cores required
3Device complexity
If communication optical signals are photoelectrically converted and stored to drive the optical switch part, then remote optical path switching can be performed without additional power supply infrastructure, but energy management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system accumulates energy from photoelectrically converted communication optical signals in a storage device, and periodically uses this stored energy to drive the optical switching action. This periodic energy accumulation and release pattern manages the energy supply for remote switching operations
Solution Approach 2:
Energy is accumulated in advance in a storage device before the optical switching action is performed. This preliminary energy accumulation ensures that sufficient energy is available when switching is needed, without requiring continuous external power supply
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 remote optical path switching without the need for costly laser beam transmission devices and reduces the demand for optical fiber core wires, thereby lowering operational costs and mitigating the risk of communication fiber shortages.
Implementation Method 1
a communication optical signal extraction part that extracts some communication optical signals from communication input/output optical fibers and photoelectrically converts the extracted some communication optical signals
Implementation Method 2
a communication optical signal storage part that stores some communication optical signals photoelectrically converted in the communication optical signal extraction part and uses the stored energy to drive the optical switch part
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is an optical line switching node device N which includes an optical switch part 2 which performs optical path switching between communication optical fibers F-0, F-1; a communication optical signal extraction part 5-0, 5-1 which extracts some of communication optical signals from one or both of the communication optical fibers F-0, F-1 and photoelectrically converts the extracted some of the communication optical signals; and a communication optical signal storage part 6 which stores some of communication optical signals photoelectrically converted in the communication optical signal extraction part 5-1, 5-1 and uses the stored energy to drive the optical switch part 2.