Pluggable Miniature Optical Passive Device with Ceramic Ferrule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical passive devices for wavelength division multiplexing in data centers are too large, prone to damage, and have high manufacturing costs due to their size and structural limitations, which affect their usability and service life.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable miniature optical passive device design that integrates a ceramic ferrule and lens within a compact casing, eliminating the need for bare optical fibers and incorporating a spring mechanism for impact buffering, allowing for smaller size, reduced manufacturing costs, and improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pluggable miniature wavelength division multiplexer is designed with a ceramic ferrule and bare optical fiber connection, then the device can achieve optical signal division function, but the device size becomes larger than 50% of industrial standard jumper length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ceramic ferrule and lens into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate bare optical fiber connections. This integration significantly reduces the device length while maintaining the optical signal division function, allowing the device to meet industrial standard jumper length requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated ceramic ferrule-lens component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, optical alignment, and signal division. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device length
2Ease of operation
If the device length is increased to accommodate traditional optical fiber connections, then the optical signal division can be achieved, but the exposed tail portion becomes too long and easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the ceramic ferrule and lens into one integrated component, the patent eliminates the exposed bare optical fiber tail portion that was previously vulnerable to damage. The integrated design provides internal protection for optical connections, significantly improving reliability
3Ease of operation
If the device length is increased, then the optical signal division structure can be accommodated, but the arm of force for lateral pulling becomes longer and the device becomes harder to conform with IEC specification
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of ceramic ferrule and lens reduces the device length, which directly reduces the arm of force for lateral pulling. This shorter structure provides better mechanical strength and conforms to IEC specification requirements for lateral pulling resistance
4Ease of operation
If a bare optical fiber connection is used in the wavelength division multiplexer, then the optical signal can be transmitted, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and the optical fiber is prone to fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ceramic ferrule and lens into a single pre-aligned component, eliminating the complex process of separate fiber stripping, cleaning, and connection. This integrated component is manufactured as a complete unit, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing optical fiber fracture risks
Solution Approach 2:
The ceramic ferrule and lens are pre-aligned and integrated during manufacturing, so that when the device is assembled, the optical connection is already optimized. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field assembly operations and reduces the risk of optical fiber damage
5Ease of operation
If more metal pipes or plastic pipes are used in the device structure, then the device can accommodate the optical components, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the ceramic ferrule and lens into one integrated component, the patent reduces the number of separate parts that would require individual housing and protection. This reduction in component count directly reduces the amount of metal or plastic piping needed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs
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 results in a device that meets the size requirements of industrial standard jumpers, enhances durability by reducing damage from impact, and simplifies the manufacturing process, thereby increasing the product's service life and quality.
Implementation Method 1
the second end of the first ceramic ferrule is coated with an antireflection film
Implementation Method 2
a lens is provided close to the second end of the first ceramic ferrule, the lens is positioned in the optical device
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a spring mechanism for impact buffering
Data Source
AI summary
A pluggable miniature optical passive device comprises a casing (30), an optical device (40) is mounted in the casing (30), a first end of the optical device (40) is provided with a first ceramic ferrule (43). At least one fiber core (432) is provided in the first ceramic ferrule (43), a first end (41) of the first ceramic ferrule (43) extends out of the casing (30). A second end (42) of the first ceramic ferrule (43) is positioned in the optical device (40), and the second end (42) of the first ceramic ferrule (43) is coated with an antireflection film, a lens (45) is provided close to the second end (42) of the first ceramic ferrule (43), the lens (45) is positioned in the optical device (40). At least one optical fiber is further provided in the optical device (40), a first end of the optical fiber is provided at a side close to the lens (45) and away from the first ceramic ferrule (43), a light beam incident in the optical fiber of the optical device (40) via the ceramic ferrule (43) and the lens (45). The pluggable miniature optical passive device has a small volume, and low manufacturing cost and long service life.