Cylindrical Optical Fiber Shuffle with Adjustable Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber shuffles face issues such as complex structure, fiber breakage, and high manufacturing costs due to the lack of a mechanical clamping mechanism, particularly in rectangular array type wiring structures, which are prone to fiber movement and breakage.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber shuffle employs a cylindrical array wiring design with a fixing rod, fixing plates, and a positioning assembly that includes a sleeve and rivet to securely recombine optical fibers, eliminating the need for adhesives and simplifying the manufacturing process by using a fastener with adjustable clamping grooves to clamp fibers around a cylindrical structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rectangular array type wiring structure is used, then the optical fiber shuffle can be manufactured, but it lacks mechanical clamping mechanism causing fiber movement and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional rectangular array wiring structure into a cylindrical array wiring structure. The cylindrical configuration provides natural mechanical clamping through the curved geometry, preventing fiber movement and breakage without requiring complex additional clamping mechanisms. The fibers are arranged radially around a central axis, creating a self-supporting structure that inherently maintains fiber position.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylindrical array structure serves its own clamping function through its geometric configuration. The radial arrangement of fibers around the central axis creates natural mechanical support and positioning, eliminating the need for separate complex clamping mechanisms. The structure self-regulates fiber position through its inherent geometry.
2Reliability
If adhesive method is used to fix cables, then cables can be secured, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesive fixation method with a mechanical clamping system. The cylindrical array structure provides mechanical support and positioning through its geometry and integrated clamping features, eliminating the need for adhesives. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process by removing chemical bonding steps while maintaining reliable cable fixation.
3Productivity
If rectangular array structure is used, then wiring can be implemented, but occupied space is not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The cylindrical array configuration optimizes space utilization by arranging fibers radially around a central axis rather than in a rectangular grid. This radial arrangement reduces the overall footprint and volume required for the same number of fibers, creating a more compact shuffle structure while maintaining full wiring capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional rectangular array to a three-dimensional cylindrical arrangement. By utilizing the radial dimension around a central axis, the structure achieves higher fiber density in a compact volume, effectively packing more fibers into less space through spatial optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber shuffle for recombining a plurality of optical fibers of a first optical cable into a second optical cable includes a fixing rod, a first fixing plate, and a second fixing plate. The first fixing plate defines a plurality of first fixing grooves. The first fixing grooves are configured to respectively receive the plurality of optical fibers of the first optical cable. The second fixing plate defines a plurality of second fixing grooves. The second fixing groves are configured to respectively receive the plurality of optical fibers of the first optical cable after the plurality of optical fibers is wound around the fixing rod and recombined into the second optical cable. The first fixing plate and the second fixing plate are respectively located at two ends of the fixing rod.