Optical Fiber Cleaver Adapter for Ribbonized Fiber Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical fiber laser cleaver adapter systems face challenges in efficiently separating and positioning multiple rows of fibers for precise cleaving, making the process time-consuming and awkward due to the need to reposition the fiber handler for each row.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber laser cleaver adapter assembly with an indexing guide and positioning member allows for the simultaneous cleaving of multiple rows of fibers without removing the fiber handler, using slots and dividers to align and protect each row, enabling sequential cutting of fibers with a laser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the fiber handler is repositioned for each row of fibers, then each row can be cleaved individually, but the process becomes time-consuming and awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly is segmented into multiple adapter slots (first adapter slot, second adapter slot, etc.), each capable of holding a fiber optic connector. This segmentation allows multiple rows of fibers to be positioned simultaneously in different slots, eliminating the need to reposition the fiber handler for each row while maintaining precise cleaving capability for each row through the laser beam's sequential activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly serves multiple functions: it holds multiple fiber optic connectors in different adapter slots, positions multiple rows of optical fibers for simultaneous cleaving, and works with the laser beam to cleave fibers in each row. This multi-functionality allows the system to process multiple rows without repositioning the fiber handler, thereby improving productivity while maintaining precision.
2Productivity
If multiple rows of fibers are processed simultaneously, then the process becomes more efficient, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter slots are nested within the adapter assembly structure, with each slot containing positioning features and support elements. The fiber optic connectors are nested within the adapter slots, and the optical fibers extend from the connectors through the assembly. This nested arrangement allows multiple rows of fibers to be processed simultaneously while organizing the complexity within a unified, manageable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly acts as an intermediary between the fiber handler and the laser cleaving system. It provides the interface that holds multiple fiber optic connectors, positions their optical fibers in appropriate rows, and presents them to the laser beam for cleaving. This intermediary structure manages the complexity of processing multiple rows simultaneously by providing a standardized, organized platform.
3Reliability
If the optical fibers are secured in ferrules with epoxy, then the connection is stable, but the process of separating and positioning rows becomes awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fibers are pre-secured in the ferrules with epoxy and pre-cleaved to appropriate lengths before being loaded into the adapter slots. This preliminary preparation ensures stable connections while allowing the entire assembly to be handled as a unit in the adapter, eliminating the need to manipulate individual fragile fibers during the cleaving process and making row separation and positioning easier.
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
This solution streamlines the fiber cleaving process by allowing for the precise and efficient cutting of multiple rows of fibers without repositioning the fiber handler, improving the speed and accuracy of the fiber preparation for connectorization.
Implementation Method 1
a laser beam movable between the rows is positioned to cut the optical fibers in each row
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cutting and stripping ribbonized fiber to aid in loading and separating rows of fibers in a laser cleaver adapter assembly comprises obtaining ribbonized fiber having at least a first row of fibers and a second row of fibers, cutting the first row of fibers to a first cut length, cutting the second row of fibers to a second cut length, stripping the first row of fibers a first stripped length, and stripping the second row of fibers a second stripped length. The second cut length is longer than the first cut length, and the second stripped length is longer than the first stripped length.