Wavelength Selective Switch Port Scaling via Merging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wavelength selective switches require multiple stages of N×1 and 1×N switches to increase the number of ports, leading to increased manufacturing costs, larger size, and weight due to the need for multiple wavelength selective switches and complex assembly.

Innovation Solution

A wavelength selective switch design that uses a single unit with a light input/output portion divided into groups, a common light dispersive unit, and a light deflective element array arranged in rows to direct signal wavelengths to desired output ports, reducing the need for multiple switches and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple stages of wavelength selective switches are connected to increase the number of ports, then the number of ports is increased, but the manufacturing cost, assembly time, and device size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of portsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple wavelength selective switch functions into a single integrated device. Specifically, it integrates a first wavelength selective switch with input ports 1-5 and a second wavelength selective switch with input ports 6-10 into one unified structure, allowing 10 input ports to be connected to a single output port without requiring multiple separate stages of devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal wavelength selective switch structure that can handle multiple wavelength channels simultaneously through different input ports. The single device performs the function of both the first 5-port wavelength selective switch and the second 5-port wavelength selective switch, making it multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple stages of wavelength selective switches are connected to increase the number of ports, then the number of ports is increased, but the assembly time and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of portsVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the manufacturing process into a single integrated structure rather than requiring separate assembly of multiple devices. The unified wavelength selective switch is manufactured as one unit, reducing assembly time and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the capability to handle 10 input ports.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple stages of wavelength selective switches are connected to increase the number of ports, then the number of ports is increased, but the apparatus size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of portsVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate wavelength selective switch devices into a single compact apparatus. By integrating the optical paths and switching elements of both 5-port switches into one unified structure, the overall apparatus size is reduced while still providing 10 input port connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design allows for an increase in the number of ports without increasing costs, size, or weight, by using a single unit with a common dispersive element and deflective element array, improving manufacturability and reducing assembly complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a dispersive element 560, which separates the light into respective signal wavelengths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 2

a mirror array 580, which directs the signal light to a desired output port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8849077B2Wavelength selective switch

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 WELLS FARGO BANK NA

AI summary

A wavelength selective switch includes a light input output portion having an input port and an output port for wavelength-multiplexed light, which are arranged in an array form in a first direction, a light dispersive unit which separates the wavelength-multiplexed light input from the input port, into signal wavelengths, a condenser element which condenses light separated into the signal wavelengths, and a light deflective element array which deflects the signal light in the first direction such that, respective signal wavelength light condensed by the condenser element is switched to a desired output port. In such wavelength selective switch, the light input output portion is divided into m groups, and the light deflective element array is arranged in m rows in the first direction to correspond with the m groups of the light input output portion, wherein m is an integer.