Optical Transmission Device Parallel Light Emitting Element Deterioration Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical transmission devices face challenges in detecting deterioration of light emitting elements in a timely manner, leading to limited replacement time and user inconvenience, as existing systems often detect deterioration just before the element becomes unusable.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a second light emitting element with a shorter service life in parallel to the primary element, which deteriorates earlier, allowing for detection of degradation and providing sufficient time for replacement before the primary element reaches the end of its service life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single light emitting element is used, then the device structure is simple, but the deterioration detection is delayed until just before failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeterioration detection timingVSAvoidlight emitting element configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A second light emitting element with a shorter service life is installed in parallel with the first light emitting element. The second element serves as a preliminary indicator that deteriorates earlier than the first element, providing advance warning before the primary element fails. This preliminary action enables timely replacement scheduling without requiring complex monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If the second light emitting element deteriorates earlier, then replacement time is extended, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereplacement grace periodVSAvoidparallel element configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second light emitting element is designed with a deliberately shorter service life and can be considered a sacrificial component. This element deteriorates first and serves its purpose as an early warning indicator, after which it is replaced. The element is configured to be cost-effective and simple, accepting its shorter lifespan as the trade-off for providing extended replacement grace period for the primary element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If parallel connection is used for deterioration detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeterioration detection accuracyVSAvoidcircuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit continuously monitors the operational status of both the first and second light emitting elements. When the second element shows signs of deterioration, this feedback information is used to trigger replacement alerts. The parallel connection enables direct comparison and monitoring, providing accurate deterioration detection through simple feedback mechanisms rather than complex measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10484087B2Optical transmission device
Publication Date: 2019.11.19 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US10484087B2 patent drawing
  • US10484087B2 patent drawing
  • US10484087B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical transmission device includes a first light emitting element, a second light emitting element, and a detection unit. The first light emitting element is configured to emit light. The second light emitting element is configured to emit light. The second light emitting element is connected in parallel with the first light emitting element and is configured to deteriorate earlier than the first light emitting element. The detection unit is configured to detect whether the second light emitting element is deteriorated.