Optical Fiber Cleaning Device with Rotating Axle and Clamshell Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning optical fibers are inefficient and prone to mechanical stress, as they require manual handling and do not effectively minimize the use of cleaning materials or reduce evaporation of cleaning agents.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical device that automates the cleaning of multiple optical fibers by integrating fibrous and liquid components, using a clamshell design with a rotating axle to distribute cleaning agent evenly across serrated surfaces, minimizing manual contact and mechanical stress, and reducing evaporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual wiping with individually wrapped alcohol wipes is used, then the cleaning process is simple to operate, but the productivity is low and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning functions into a single automated device that can clean multiple fibers simultaneously. The device integrates the cleaning head, alcohol distribution system, and fiber routing guides into one unit, replacing the need for multiple individual wipes and manual operations, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device is designed to handle multiple optical fibers at once through its multi-functional architecture. The cleaning head can accommodate several fibers, the alcohol distribution system serves all fibers simultaneously, and the routing guides are configured for batch processing, making the device universal for cleaning multiple fibers in a single operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If spray bottle with lint-free disposable cloth is used, then the cleaning process is flexible, but the cleaning materials are not maximized and time is not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The device pre-loads multiple fibers into the routing guides before cleaning, and pre-distributes alcohol to the cleaning surfaces in advance. This preliminary preparation allows all fibers to be cleaned simultaneously in a single passing motion, eliminating the sequential cleaning time required by manual methods while maintaining adaptability through adjustable fiber routing
Solution Approach 2:
The automated cleaning device performs continuous cleaning action across all fibers in one motion. The cleaning head moves continuously along the routed fibers, applying alcohol and wiping action without interruption or repetition, maximizing the utilization of cleaning materials and minimizing the total time required compared to discrete manual wiping of each fiber
3Ease of operation
If manual handling of optical fibers is used, then the operation is simple, but the fiber is exposed to mechanical stress and breaking risk
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces routing guides as intermediary elements between the operator and the optical fibers. These guides channel and support the fibers throughout the cleaning process, distributing mechanical loads and preventing direct manual handling stress. The cleaning head also acts as an intermediary, applying controlled, uniform pressure through its structured contact points rather than unpredictable manual forces
Solution Approach 2:
The routing guides are designed to automatically position and support the fibers as they pass through the cleaning device, eliminating the need for continuous manual manipulation. The fibers are routed through fixed pathways that provide inherent mechanical support, allowing the system to service itself without human intervention that could introduce stress or damage
4Device complexity
If traditional cleaning methods are used, then the equipment is simple, but the cleaning materials evaporate and are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a closed-loop cleaning head design that encloses the cleaning surfaces and alcohol distribution system. This shell-like structure contains the alcohol vapor, preventing evaporation to the atmosphere. The cleaning surfaces are covered with lint-free materials that act as thin film barriers, further reducing evaporation while maintaining cleaning effectiveness, thus minimizing cleaning agent waste without significantly increasing device complexity
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 device efficiently cleans multiple fibers simultaneously, reducing manual handling and evaporation of cleaning agents, while ensuring minimal mechanical stress and maximizing the effectiveness of cleaning materials.
Implementation Method 1
The material feeds from a rotating axle mounted inside of the cleaning material holder, through a horizontal aperture on its top, to the stationary cleaning surface pad
Implementation Method 2
the cleaning stand, when closed around the optical fiber, also minimizes evaporative losses of cleaning agent
Implementation Method 3
The material feeds from a rotating axle mounted inside of the cleaning material holder, through a horizontal aperture on its top, to the stationary cleaning surface pad
Data Source
AI summary
A means of integrating the materials and automating the actions required for the cleaning of optical fiber, where the present invention can hold cleaning material, dispense cleaning agent, and clean multiple fibers, while routing conduits and cleaning pads protect the optical fiber from mechanical stress.