Rotatable Ferrule Optical Cross-Connect for Multi-Route Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical cross-connects in multistage loop networks need to switch connections between optical fiber cores on an even number of four or more routes, which existing mechanical optical switches struggle to achieve efficiently.
Innovation Solution
An optical cross-connect system with optical switches connected by rotatable ferrules and optical fibers, where each ferrule supports optical fiber cores and fibers, allowing for switching between multiple routes using a motor-driven rotation mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical optical switch with a single cylindrical ferrule is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to switch connections between four or more routes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single ferrule is divided into multiple separate ferrules (first ferrule and second ferrule), each handling specific optical fiber cores. This segmentation allows each ferrule to be independently positioned and rotated, enabling the system to achieve multi-route switching capability (four or more routes) while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
2Reliability
If optical switches are connected by optical fibers in a multistage loop network, then the reliability of optical signal transmission is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple ferrules and sleeves
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve acts as an intermediary component that supports and organizes multiple ferrules within a unified structure. This mediator component simplifies the overall assembly by providing a common mounting platform, reducing the complexity of connecting multiple optical switches while maintaining reliable optical signal transmission through properly aligned ferrule interfaces
3Ease of operation
If a motor is used to rotate the ferrule for switching, then the ease of operation is improved, but the use of energy increases due to motor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of optical fiber core connections. The motor provides controlled rotation to switch between different routing configurations, enabling easy operation while the system can maintain selected configurations through mechanical positioning, balancing energy consumption with operational flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
An optical cross-connect includes: first to fourth optical switches connected to first to fourth optical fiber cores on four routes; and optical fibers that connect the optical switches between each other. Each of the optical switches includes a first ferrule which is a ferrule disposed to expose each of the optical fiber cores at end surfaces and at which each of the optical fiber cores on a route is disposed, a second ferrule which is the ferrule and at which each of the optical fiber cores that connect the optical switches between each other is disposed, and a sleeve that supports the first ferrule and the second ferrule inside such that the end surfaces of the first ferrule and the second ferrule face each other and the first ferrule and the second ferrule are rotatable relative to each other along an inner wall of the sleeve.