Asymmetric Connection Pin for Optical Fiber Preform Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for attaching and detaching optical fiber preforms from support bodies are inefficient, prone to damaging the connection pins and preforms, and difficult to handle large preforms due to the need for precise alignment and manual operation, leading to low working efficiency and risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a connection pin that is inserted through penetration holes in both the preform and support body, with the pin being rotatable due to a moment based on gravity, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without applying additional downward force, thus preventing damage and facilitating the handling of larger preforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the connection pin is made of silica glass to match the preform material, then the material compatibility is improved, but the connection pin is corroded by high-temperature chlorine gas during dehydrating and sintering
Solution Approach 1:
The connection pin is designed as a disposable component made of silica glass that is intentionally sacrificed during the dehydrating and sintering process. The pin is inserted through the preform and support body, then deliberately broken off at the penetration hole interface, leaving only a small portion embedded in the preform. This approach accepts the corrosion and breakage of the connection pin as part of the manufacturing process, eliminating the need for corrosion-resistant materials while maintaining material compatibility with the preform.
2Ease of operation
If the inner diameter of penetration holes is set slightly larger than the outer diameter of the connection pin, then the connection is simplified, but positional deviation occurs and rigidity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection pin is designed with an asymmetric cross-sectional shape (square, rectangular, or triangular) rather than a circular cross-section. This asymmetric shape creates a unique fit within the penetration hole that prevents rotational deviation and ensures precise positional alignment. The asymmetric geometry provides mechanical interlocking that maintains both ease of insertion and high positioning accuracy, resolving the contradiction between connection simplicity and alignment precision.
3Ease of operation
If the preform is moved upward to detach from the support body, then the attachment state is released, but the connection pin is damaged or bent
Solution Approach 1:
The connection pin is pre-designed with a predetermined break point or weakened section that allows it to fracture at a specific location during the detachment process. Before the actual detachment operation, the pin is positioned so that its vulnerable portion aligns with the penetration hole interface. When the preform is moved upward to release the attachment, the pin breaks at this predetermined location rather than bending or sustaining damage, ensuring clean separation and protecting both the preform and support body.
4Manufacturing precision
If manual operation is used for precise alignment and attachment, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the working efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is designed to be self-aligning and self-attaching. The asymmetric connection pin automatically orients itself within the penetration hole due to its unique geometry, eliminating the need for manual positioning adjustments. The gripper device simply needs to move the preform vertically to engage the connection pin, and the asymmetric shape ensures proper alignment occurs automatically. This self-service mechanism maintains high positioning accuracy while dramatically improving working efficiency by eliminating tedious manual alignment operations.
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 method enables simple and efficient attachment and detachment of preforms without damaging materials, improves handling of large preforms, and reduces the risk of connection pin damage, enhancing working efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the connection pin is rotated about the insertion axis due to an action of a moment based on gravity when the state in which the preform is hung on the connection pin is released
Data Source
AI summary
A method of attaching and detaching a preform to and from a support body, the preform being used to manufacture an optical fiber, the method including: inserting a connection pin through a penetration hole provided in the preform and a penetration hole provided in the support body; attaching the preform to the support body by hanging the preform on the connection pin inserted through the penetration holes; and detaching the preform from the support body by taking out the connection pin from the penetration holes after the connection pin is rotated about an insertion axis due to an action of a moment based on gravity when the hung state of the preform hung on the connection pin is released.