Optical Fiber Cleaning Nozzle with Flow Disrupter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical fiber connectors face challenges in effectively cleaning the end faces of optical fibers due to low shear force at the center caused by stagnation zones, especially with axisymmetric and off-center impinging jets, which hampers efficient optical transmission and risk of fiber damage.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle assembly with a converging taper and a stationary flow disrupter element is used to create a time-varying jet stream that sweeps over the ferrule end face, increasing shear force and disrupting stagnation zones, enhancing cleaning efficiency without moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an axisymmetric, normally impinging jet is used to clean the ferrule end face, then the cleaning process is simple and stable, but the shear force at the center where the fiber end face is located is relatively low due to the existence of a stagnation zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry by tilting the impingement jet relative to the ferrule end face normal. This creates an asymmetric flow pattern that eliminates the central stagnation zone, thereby increasing shear force at the fiber end face location while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a angular dimension to the cleaning process by introducing a tilt angle between the jet axis and the ferrule end face normal. This transforms the cleaning action from purely axial to a combination of axial and angular components, creating sweeping motion that increases shear force without complicating the basic impingement mechanism
2Force
If a non-axisymmetric, off-center aligned or tilted impingement jet is used to increase shear force, then the stagnation zone is displaced, but it still exists somewhere on the ferrule front end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic cleaning by oscillating or rotating the ferrule within the adapter during the cleaning process. This dynamic motion ensures that the stagnation zone, which remains fixed relative to the jet direction, sweeps across the entire ferrule end face including the fiber end face location, thereby eliminating persistent stagnation effects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic oscillation or rotation of the ferrule during cleaning. This periodic motion continuously changes the relative position between the ferrule end face and the stagnation zone, ensuring that all areas including the fiber end face receive high shear force cleaning action over time
3Productivity
If a stationary flow disrupter element is introduced to create time-varying jet stream, then cleaning efficiency is enhanced without moving parts, but the nozzle structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stationary flow disrupter element as an intermediary component within the nozzle. This element modifies the fluid flow to create time-varying jet patterns and increase turbulence, thereby enhancing cleaning efficiency without requiring moving parts in the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical moving parts with a stationary flow disruptor that uses fluid dynamics to achieve the desired cleaning effect. The flow disruptor creates turbulence and time-varying flow patterns through its geometry alone, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators or moving components
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 significantly increases the shear stress at the fiber end face, effectively removing contaminants and improving cleaning efficiency by reducing stagnation zones, ensuring optimal optical transmission and minimizing fiber damage.
Implementation Method 1
passing the disrupted flow of the cleaning fluid through the convergent output end of the flow channel to form a jet stream of the cleaning fluid
Implementation Method 2
The shear force generated from the impingement jet, combined with the optional chemicals in the solvent, removes particles adhered to the front end of the ferrule
Implementation Method 3
flowing the cleaning fluid around at least one flow disrupter element that resides stationary in the flow channel to form a disrupted flow
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning nozzle includes an outer housing having a central axis and an inner surface that defines an outer housing interior. An inner housing resides within the outer housing interior along the central axis and has an inner surface that defines an inner flow channel. The inner flow channel supports flow of the cleaning fluid and has a converging taper and a flow disrupter element. The nozzle assembly may include an adapter that receives a front end of the nozzle and that also holds a ferrule that supports an optical fiber having an end face. The nozzle assembly allows the nozzle to direct a jet stream of cleaning fluid to the ferrule end face and the fiber end face. The flow disrupter causes the jet stream to have a time-varying direction that enhances the cleaning of the ferrule end face and the optical fiber end face.