Wavelength Division Multiplexing Module Chassis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic telecommunications systems face challenges in cost and complexity during initial installation and future expansion, with a need for easy access to components for cleaning and correct alignment of modules within chassis to ensure proper connection with pre-connectorized transmission cables.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications assembly comprising a chassis with fiber optic modules that include an optical multiplexer/demultiplexer, where the modules are designed to be slidably inserted and aligned with adapter assemblies within the chassis, ensuring correct orientation and easy access for connection and maintenance, while accommodating future expansion through modular design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If modules are pre-configured with maximum capacity of transmission cables in the chassis, then future expansion capacity is improved, but access to components for cleaning during installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where removable cable manager assemblies are placed within the chassis, and individual cable managers are nested within each adapter assembly. This nested design allows access to connectors for cleaning while maintaining the pre-configured transmission cables and preserving future expansion capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the chassis into modular segments including removable cable manager assemblies and individual adapter assemblies. This segmentation allows specific components to be accessed and cleaned without disturbing other parts of the system, resolving the contradiction between maintaining maximum capacity configuration and enabling component access.
2Area of stationary object
If the chassis is configured with limited access on one or more sides or mounted in cramped locations, then installation space requirements are reduced, but access to components for cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The nested cable manager assemblies are designed to be removable from the chassis, providing access pathways to connectors even when the chassis is mounted in cramped locations or has limited access sides. This maintains a compact footprint while enabling necessary maintenance access.
3Reliability
If modules are designed to ensure correct alignment with other components within the chassis, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assemblies incorporate self-aligning features including alignment pins and corresponding recesses that automatically guide and position modules correctly during insertion. This self-aligning mechanism ensures reliable connections without requiring complex external alignment tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with simpler geometric constraints and elastic deformation of flexible circuit boards. The flexible circuit board naturally conforms to the adapter assembly geometry, providing automatic alignment without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 reduces installation complexity and cost by enabling easy access and correct alignment of modules, facilitating future expansion and maintaining the integrity of fiber optic connections within the telecommunications system.
Implementation Method 1
Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is a technology which multiplexes multiple optical carrier signals on a single optical fiber by using different wavelengths of laser light to carry different signals
Data Source
AI summary
A telecommunications assembly includes a chassis and a plurality of optical wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer modules mounted within the chassis. Each module includes at least one fiber optic connector. Within an interior of the chassis are positioned at least one fiber optic adapter. Inserting the modules through an opening of the chassis at a mounting location positions the connector of the module for insertion into and mating with the adapter of the chassis. A method of mounting an optical wavelength division multiplexer/demultiplexer module within a telecommunications chassis is also disclosed.