Wavelength Division Multiplexing Module with Optical Division Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wavelength division multiplexers are complex and costly due to their numerous components, leading to higher manufacturing costs and lower yield rates, making them inefficient for high-bandwidth optical communication applications.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength division multiplexing module with a simple structure and reduced volume, featuring a housing with light emitting/receiving elements, an optical division element, and reflectors, where the optical division element has a reflection region and a light transmission region to combine/multiplex light beams efficiently, and the light emitting/receiving elements are arranged in an extending direction of the housing to minimize space and facilitate easy calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wavelength division multiplexer is used, then signal transmission capability is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (optical division element, reflectors, light emitting/receiving elements) into an integrated wavelength division multiplexing module with a unified housing structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining signal transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical division element serves multiple functions: it divides the optical signal into different wavelengths, directs light beams through reflectors, and enables both multiplexing and demultiplexing operations. The housing structure also provides both mechanical support and optical alignment functions, reducing the need for separate components.
2Reliability
If traditional wavelength division multiplexer is used, then signal transmission capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple optical components into a single modular unit with a common housing, the patent reduces manufacturing steps, assembly complexity, and overall production costs. The unified structure allows for more efficient manufacturing processes compared to assembling multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wavelength division multiplexing function into a standardized modular unit that can be mass-produced. This segmentation into a self-contained module with defined interfaces enables standardized manufacturing processes and reduces per-unit costs through economies of scale.
3Reliability
If traditional wavelength division multiplexer is used, then signal transmission capability is achieved, but yield rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated module design reduces the number of assembly steps and potential failure points compared to traditional multi-component systems. Fewer components mean fewer opportunities for manufacturing defects and assembly errors, thereby improving yield rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical division element and reflectors are positioned and configured within the housing to provide self-alignment and self-adjustment capabilities. This self-service feature reduces the need for complex precision assembly procedures and manual calibration, improving manufacturing yield.
4Volume of moving object
If light emitting elements are arranged in extending direction of housing, then space occupation is reduced, but calibration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges light emitting elements and corresponding light receiving elements in opposite housings facing each other, creating a linear optical path through the module. This spatial arrangement in the extending direction minimizes the module's footprint while maintaining proper optical alignment through the opposing element configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is designed with asymmetric positioning of optical components, where light emitting elements in one housing are precisely positioned to correspond with light receiving elements in the opposite housing. This asymmetric but complementary arrangement optimizes space utilization while ensuring proper optical alignment for calibration.
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 module effectively reduces the volume occupied and simplifies the calibration process, leading to lower production costs and increased efficiency in multiplexing light beams, thereby enhancing the performance and applicability of wavelength division multiplexing in optical communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
The reflection region is adapted to reflect a portion of the mixed light beam
Implementation Method 2
the light transmission region is adapted to allow specific light beams to pass through
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength division multiplexing module adapted to combine a plurality of light beams to a mixed light beam is provided. The wavelength division multiplexing module includes a housing, a plurality of light emitting elements, an optical division element, and a plurality of reflectors. The light emitting elements are adapted to provide light beams. The optical division element is disposed on a transmission path of the light beams. The reflectors are disposed on the transmission path of the light beams. The optical division element has a reflection region and a light transmission region on one side opposite to the light emitting elements. The reflection region is adapted to reflect a portion of the light beams, and the light transmission region is adapted to allow the mixed light beam to pass through. At least two of the light emitting elements are arranged in an extending direction of the housing.