Fiber-Optic Cable Mounting with Separated Core and Cladding Fixation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting devices for fiber-optic cables fail to securely and permanently fix light-guide cables, especially when using clad materials with low chemical compatibility and surface energy, leading to potential slippage and exposure of fibers due to mechanical stress, shrinkage, and chemical incompatibility with adhesives.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device with a two-part design, featuring a first and second fixing portion, allows the light guide and cladding to be connected separately with a form fit and/or material fit, using adhesives and deformations to ensure secure fixation without mechanical stress, even with poorly wettable clad materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cladding is adhesively bonded to the sleeve using conventional adhesive bonding methods, then the connection is simple and efficient, but the adhesive bond fails over time due to chemical incompatibility and low surface energy of clad materials like polyolefins and fluorinated plastics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a surface treatment layer or coating on the cladding material that serves as an intermediary between the low-surface-energy cladding (polyolefin or fluorinated plastic) and the adhesive. This intermediary layer has high surface energy and chemical compatibility with the adhesive, enabling strong bonding while the cladding itself remains unchanged. The coating acts as a mediator that transfers the bonding function from the incompatible cladding surface to a compatible interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface energy parameter of the cladding material through surface treatment methods such as plasma treatment, corona discharge, or chemical etching. These treatments modify the surface chemistry of the cladding to increase its surface energy and polar components, making it compatible with conventional adhesives without altering the bulk properties of the cladding material.
2Strength
If mechanical forces are applied during crimping to fix the cladding, then the connection is secure, but high external forces cause fiber fractures in the underlying fiber bundle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical crimping system with a chemical bonding system. Instead of applying high mechanical forces to deform the cladding and secure it to the sleeve, the invention uses adhesive bonding to create a secure connection. This substitution eliminates the need for high external forces that would otherwise be transmitted to the fiber bundle and cause fractures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the bonding function from the mechanical fixation function. The adhesive bonding occurs at the molecular level between the cladding surface and the adhesive layer, while the structural support and protection functions are provided by the sleeve and mounting device. This segmentation allows the bonding process to occur without transmitting damaging mechanical forces to the fibers.
3Strength
If the cladding is pushed into the sleeve during manufacture with form fit fixation, then the connection is secure, but the process requires complex crimping tools and deformation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical deformation and crimping system with a chemical adhesive bonding system. Instead of using complex crimping tools to deform the cladding and create form fit fixation, the invention applies an adhesive layer that bonds the cladding to the sleeve through chemical adhesion. This substitution dramatically simplifies the required equipment and processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical deformation to chemical adhesion. By modifying the surface properties of the cladding through surface treatment to increase surface energy, the cladding becomes compatible with adhesive bonding, replacing the need for mechanical crimping and deformation processes.
4Strength
If the tube is shrunk thermally to fix the cladding, then the connection is secure, but thermal stress causes additional shrinkage and exposure of the fiber bundle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal shrinking process with adhesive bonding. Instead of applying thermal stress to shrink the cladding and secure it to the sleeve, the invention uses a chemical adhesive system that bonds the cladding to the sleeve at ambient or controlled temperatures. This substitution eliminates thermal stress and the associated dimensional instability and after-shrinkage problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from thermal-mechanical shrinkage to chemical adhesion. By using adhesive bonding, the process occurs without significant thermal stress, maintaining the dimensional stability of the cladding and preventing after-shrinkage that would expose the fiber bundle.
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 provides a secure and permanent fixation of fiber-optic cables, preventing slippage and exposure of fibers, even under thermal and mechanical stress, while maintaining chemical compatibility and reducing the risk of adhesive failure.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide is connected or connectable at least partially or in portions materially to the first fixing portion
Implementation Method 2
the cladding is connected or connectable to the second fixing portion at least partially or in portions with a form fit, with a force fit and/or materially
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device for a fiber-optic cable that includes a light guide including an optical fiber and a cladding which fully encloses the light guide at least in portions on its outer circumferential face. The mounting device is formed from one piece or from a first and a second segment, and has a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion spatially separated from the first fixing portion. The second fixing portion is arranged concentrically around the first fixing portion, and the light guide is connected or connectable at least partially or in portions materially to the first fixing portion and the cladding is connected or connectable to the second fixing portion at least partially or in portions with a form fit, a force fit and/or materially, so that fixing of the light guide and fixing of the cladding on the mounting device are separated or separable from one another.