Pluggable Laser Module with Detachable Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optoelectronic systems, such as optical communication systems, face safety and serviceability challenges due to hazardous light emission from laser sources when servicing components, as existing designs do not effectively shut off the light beam during unplugging or optical path breakage, potentially exposing service engineers to harmful radiation.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable laser module with detachable connectors and a laser source mounted on a substrate, where the laser source is powered only when connected to the panel, ensuring the light beam is not emitted when detached, and the connectors are configured to receive electrical power and output light on the same edge, enhancing safety and serviceability by containing the optical path within the module and switch casing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the laser source is permanently installed and continuously powered in the panel, then the optical communication function is maintained, but hazardous light exposure risk increases during servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The laser module is divided into a detachable portion (laser source with connectors) and a fixed portion (panel interface). This segmentation allows the laser source to be removed for servicing, eliminating hazardous light exposure during maintenance while maintaining optical communication function when installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser module transitions from a static permanently installed state to a dynamic pluggable state. The laser source can be inserted into or removed from the panel, enabling the system to adapt between operational mode (light emitted) and maintenance mode (light shut off).
2Ease of repair
If the laser module is made detachable for serviceability, then maintenance ease is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential light exposure during unplugging
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the laser module into a removable laser source and a fixed panel interface, the design enables easy replacement of the laser module while ensuring that the light path is physically broken during removal, eliminating exposure risk during servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser source is extracted as a separate pluggable component from the panel. When removed, the laser source is no longer powered, which eliminates hazardous light exposure during maintenance operations while preserving ease of repair through simple plug-and-play replacement.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the connectors and laser source are mounted on the same edge of the substrate, then the optical path is contained within the module, but the connector configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector and optical connector are merged and mounted together on the same edge of the substrate. This consolidation contains the optical path within the module boundaries while the shared mounting location simplifies the overall connector configuration rather than increasing 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
The solution improves safety by preventing hazardous light exposure during maintenance and enhances serviceability by allowing easy replacement of laser modules, ensuring the light beam is shut off when the optical path is broken, thus protecting personnel and facilitating faster maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The laser source is configured to (i) be powered by the electrical power, and (ii) produce the light beam using the electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
A laser module includes one or more connectors and a laser source. The one or more connectors are configured to receive electrical power from, and to output a light beam to, a panel of a system. The laser source is configured to (i) be powered by the electrical power, and (ii) produce the light beam using the electrical power. The one or more connectors and the laser source are detachable from the panel, and when detached from the panel, the laser source is not powered by the electrical power.