Photoelectric Adapter Integrating Optical and Electrical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical power supply systems cannot be connected to electrical devices without an optical connection part, limiting their integration with devices having only conventional electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a photoelectric adapter system that uses semiconductor lasers and photoelectric conversion elements within optical fiber cables to convert electrical power into optical energy and vice versa, enabling the connection of optical power supply systems to electrical devices through existing electrical connections, utilizing semiconductor materials with high photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrical connection parts are used in electrical devices, then the devices can be easily manufactured and operated, but optical power supply systems cannot be connected to these devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical connection functionality and optical connection functionality into a single integrated connector. The connector includes both electrical contact elements for electrical signals and optical elements (such as optical fibers or light-emitting components) for optical power supply, allowing one connector to perform both electrical and optical functions simultaneously, thereby enabling compatibility with optical power supply systems without requiring separate connection components
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functionality to serve both electrical connection and optical power supply purposes. It can handle electrical signals through conventional contact elements while simultaneously providing or receiving optical power through integrated optical elements, making it universally applicable to both traditional electrical devices and optical power supply systems
2Loss of energy
If optical fiber cables are used for power supply, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but conventional electrical devices without optical connection parts cannot be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The connector merges electrical connection capabilities with optical connection capabilities into a single integrated component. This allows optical fiber cables to be connected to conventional electrical devices through the integrated connector, which provides both electrical contacts for signal transmission and optical elements for power supply, thereby enabling connectability to conventional devices while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of optical power transmission
3Adaptability or versatility
If photoelectric conversion elements are integrated into connectors, then optical power can be transmitted through electrical connectors, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a nested structure where optical elements (such as optical fibers or light-emitting components) are integrated within or alongside the electrical connection elements. The optical components are positioned within the connector housing in a space-efficient manner, allowing optical power transmission functionality to be incorporated without significantly increasing the overall connector size or structural complexity
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
Enables the efficient transmission of power and data over optical fibers, allowing for the integration of optical power supply systems with electrical devices, improving connectivity and reliability while maintaining high photoelectric conversion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a power sourcing equipment (PSE) device including a semiconductor laser that oscillates with electric power input, thereby outputting feed light
Implementation Method 2
a powered device including a photoelectric conversion element that converts the feed light transmitted through the optical fiber into electric power
Data Source
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AI summary
A photoelectric adapter (500) includes a power sourcing equipment (PSE) device (110), an optical connector connection part (520) and an electrical connector (510). The electrical connector is connectable to an electrical connector connection part (410) of an electrical device (400). The PSE device includes a semiconductor laser (111) that oscillates with electric power, thereby outputting feed light. The PSE device is driven by receiving the electric power supplied from the electrical device through the electrical connector, and outputs the feed light from the optical connector connection part. Another photoelectric adapter (700) includes a powered device (310), an optical connector connection part (720) and an electrical connector (710). The powered device includes a photoelectric conversion element (311) that converts feed light into electric power. The powered device receives the feed light supplied through the optical connector connection part, converts the feed light into the electric power, and outputs the electric power from the electrical connector.