Optical Transceiver Laser Shield System for Eye Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical transceivers activate their laser subsystems by default when connected, leading to potential eye hazards due to uncontrolled laser emission when no fiber optic cable is plugged in, as the dust covers are often discarded.
Innovation Solution
An optical transceiver system with a laser shield system that blocks the laser emission when no cable is connected and moves to allow connection when a cable is engaged, utilizing gravity-actuated, resiliently-biased, or deformable elements to absorb or dissipate the laser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the laser subsystem is activated by default when connected, then the optical transceiver can immediately transmit data, but the laser may escape and cause eye hazards when no fiber optic cable is plugged in
Solution Approach 1:
A laser shield element is introduced as an intermediary component between the laser subsystem and the external environment. This shield acts as a mediator that blocks laser radiation when no cable is present, while automatically moving aside to allow laser transmission when a cable is connected, thus resolving the contradiction between immediate data transmission readiness and laser safety
2Ease of operation
If dust covers are discarded after connection, then the optical transceiver can be easily installed, but the laser subsystem becomes exposed and creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The laser shield element is designed to be self-actuating through gravity or spring mechanisms. When a cable is connected, the shield automatically moves aside without requiring manual intervention, and when the cable is removed, it automatically returns to the blocking position. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation while eliminating the safety hazard of discarded dust covers
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a laser shield system is added to block laser emission, then user safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser shield element utilizes gravity as a counterweight mechanism to automatically position itself. The shield is designed to rest in a blocking position under gravity when no cable is present, and naturally moves aside when a cable is connected, eliminating the need for complex motorized or electronically-controlled mechanisms while still achieving effective laser radiation control
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
Prevents laser emission when no cable is connected, ensuring user safety and allowing seamless connection of cables while preventing accidental exposure to the laser.
Implementation Method 1
a laser shield system that is configured to: block, when no cable is connected to the first optical connector, the laser emitted by the laser subsystem
Implementation Method 2
a resilient member moveably coupling the laser shield element to the optical transceiver device, the resilient member biased to move the laser shield element to the blocking position
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transceiver system includes an optical transceiver chassis having a cable connector, a laser subsystem, and a laser shield system that is adjacent the cable connector. The laser shield system blocks a laser emitted by the laser subsystem when no cable is connected to the cable connector. In response to engagement with a transceiver connector on a cable, the laser shield system moves in order to allow the transceiver connector to connect to the cable connector.