Optical Fiber Cleaner Solvent Filling With Vacuum Level Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contaminants on optical fiber connectors, such as dust, dirt, and oil, negatively impact network performance by increasing signal loss and causing damage, necessitating effective cleaning methods before connection.
Innovation Solution
A device for cleaning optical fiber end faces uses a vacuum generator to draw solvent from a reservoir into a solvent tank, and a pressure port to push solvent into the tank, with sensors to monitor solvent levels and prevent overfilling, allowing faster and more efficient filling from larger reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If solvent is filled manually into the solvent tank, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solvent tank automatically fills itself by connecting to the solvent reservoir. The system uses the existing vacuum and pressure mechanisms to create a pressure differential that drives solvent into the tank without manual intervention, making the filling process self-service and eliminating complex dedicated filling mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum generator and pressure port serve multiple functions: they not only perform their primary cleaning functions but also enable the solvent filling operation. By utilizing these existing components for dual purposes, the system avoids adding separate filling mechanisms, thereby maintaining device simplicity while improving productivity.
2Productivity
If vacuum is applied to the solvent tank to draw solvent, then the filling speed increases, but the risk of overfilling and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a solvent level sensor that continuously monitors the solvent level in the tank and provides feedback to the controller. When the solvent reaches the maximum level, the sensor triggers the controller to close the vacuum valve, automatically stopping the filling process. This feedback mechanism ensures rapid filling while preventing overfilling and maintaining reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If pressure is applied to the solvent reservoir to push solvent, then the filling control precision improves, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure application operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the pressure port only when needed to push solvent into the tank, then deactivates it when the solvent flow slows or stops. This periodic operation maintains precise filling control while minimizing energy consumption by avoiding continuous pressure application.
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 method and device enable rapid and controlled solvent filling, preventing overfilling and contamination, while conserving resources and reducing time, thus enhancing network performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
applying, by a device for cleaning an end face of an optical fiber, a vacuum to a solvent tank
Implementation Method 2
applying, by a device for cleaning an end face of an optical fiber, a vacuum to a solvent tank... receiving, by the device, from a solvent reservoir, and in response to applying the vacuum, solvent with the solvent tank
Implementation Method 3
applying, by a device for cleaning an end face of an optical fiber, a pressure to a solvent reservoir... receiving, by the device, from the solvent reservoir, and in response to applying the pressure, solvent with the solvent tank
Data Source
AI summary
A device for cleaning an end face of an optical fiber may apply a vacuum to a solvent tank, where the device includes a vacuum generator to apply the vacuum and the solvent tank. The device may receive, from a solvent reservoir and in response to applying the vacuum, solvent with the solvent tank. Additionally, or alternatively, a device for cleaning an end face of an optical fiber may apply a pressure to a solvent reservoir, where the device includes a pressure port to apply the pressure and a solvent tank. The device may receive, from the solvent reservoir and in response to applying the pressure, solvent with the solvent tank.