Optical Transceiver Cavity Size Reduction via Folded Light Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical transceivers have large cross-sectional dimensions due to the arrangement of their components, which limits their miniaturization and increases space consumption, hindering the integration of more functionality within the same size package.
Innovation Solution
The optical device employs a light-processing cavity with a reduced size by using a light-transmitting medium, a light-receiving unit, a first mirror or beam splitter, a lens, and a second mirror to reflect and focus the light beam, allowing for a compact design by 'folding' the light beam away from the light-receiving unit, thereby reducing the overall cavity size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional component arrangement is used in optical transceivers, then the housing can encompass all necessary components, but the cross-sectional dimensions become large, limiting miniaturization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by folding the light beam path using mirrors to transition from a linear arrangement to a three-dimensional folded configuration. The light beam is reflected multiple times within the cavity, allowing the optical path to extend in multiple spatial dimensions rather than requiring a long linear distance, thereby reducing the overall cavity volume while maintaining functional performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by positioning the light-receiving unit within the housing such that the light processing path is nested within the housing boundaries. The folded light beam path allows components to be arranged in a nested configuration where the optical path is contained within the three-dimensional space of the housing, maximizing space utilization and reducing external dimensions
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger housing dimensions are used, then all components can be accommodated, but space consumption increases, hindering integration of more functionality
Solution Approach 1:
By folding the light beam path in three dimensions using mirrors, the patent creates a compact optical system that consumes less space. This dimensional approach allows multiple functional components to be integrated within a smaller footprint, enabling greater versatility and functionality integration without increasing the housing area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light processing functions into a compact integrated cavity where the light-transmitting medium, beam splitter, lens, mirrors, and light-receiving unit work together in a unified three-dimensional arrangement. This merging of functions into a single integrated structure reduces overall space consumption while maintaining full functionality
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 configuration enables the creation of smaller optical transceivers with reduced space consumption, allowing for more functionality to be integrated within a similar-sized package, achieving a more compact and efficient optical device design.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror or beam splitter configured to reflect at least a first portion of the transmitted light beam away from the light-receiving unit
Implementation Method 2
a lens configured to focus the reflected light beam
Implementation Method 3
a second mirror configured to reflect the focused, reflected light beam towards the light-receiving unit
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for manufacturing and using an optical or optoelectronic device are disclosed. The optical or optoelectronic device and related methods may be useful as an optical or optoelectronic transceiver or for the processing of optical signals. The optical or optoelectronic device generally comprises a light-transmitting medium configured to transmit a first light beam; a light-receiving unit configured to receive and process a focused, reflected light beam; a first mirror or beam splitter configured to reflect at least a first portion of the transmitted light beam away from the light-receiving unit; a lens configured to focus the reflected light beam; and a second mirror configured to reflect the focused, reflected light beam towards the light-receiving unit.