Piezoelectric Load Adjustment for Optical Module Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical modules in submarine cable systems face challenges in adjusting the load applied to internal optical components, leading to risks of shifting due to sea vibrations and variations in optical characteristics due to either insufficient or excessive loading.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a piezoelectric element between the cushioning material and the casing, allowing the load on the optical component to be adjusted by expanding or contracting the element with applied voltage, thereby ensuring secure fixation and maintaining optical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed thickness cushioning materials are used, then the structure is simple, but the load on the optical component cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning material is designed with adjustable thickness through a compression mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the load applied to the optical component. The thickness can be varied by compressing the cushioning material to different degrees, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different loading requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of the cushioning material (thickness) is made changeable through the compression mechanism. By altering the compression amount, the effective thickness and thus the load on the optical component can be adjusted, enabling versatile load control while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If weak load is applied, then the optical component is protected from distortion, but the fixed position shifts due to vibration and impact
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable compression mechanism allows the load to be dynamically optimized to provide just enough force to maintain fixed position stability without exceeding the threshold that would cause optical component distortion, thus simultaneously achieving both stability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
By precisely controlling the compression parameter of the cushioning material, the load can be adjusted to an optimal value that prevents both position shifting and optical distortion, resolving the contradiction between these two stability requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If strong load is applied, then the optical component is securely fixed, but optical characteristics vary due to distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The compression parameter of the cushioning material is precisely controlled to ensure the load remains below the threshold that would cause optical component distortion, while still providing sufficient force to prevent position shifting, thus maintaining optical characteristic stability.
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 easy adjustment of the load on internal optical components, reducing the risk of shifting and optical distortion, ensuring stable operation under varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element that is provided between the first cushioning material and the first surface and is capable of expanding and contracting in a direction from the first surface to the optical component
Data Source
AI summary
The optical module includes a casing for housing an optical component, a first cushioning material provided between the optical component and a first surface on the inside of the casing, and a piezoelectric element which is provided between the first cushioning material and the first surface and is capable of expanding and contracting in the direction from the first surface to the optical component.