Optical Fiber Cleaving Using UV-Curable Adhesive Bonding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber cleaving methods face issues with uneven stress distribution and torsional forces due to non-axial clamping, leading to sub-optimal crack propagation, increased costs, and higher scrap rates, especially with large fiber diameters and irregularly shaped cladding.
Innovation Solution
A system using a substrate with a groove and transverse structure to secure optical fibers with UV-curable material, reducing shear detachment and allowing for proper tension application during cleaving, thereby minimizing non-axial forces and improving cleaving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical clamping is used to hold optical fibers, then the fibers can be secured for cleaving, but uneven stress distribution and torsional forces occur due to non-axial clamping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical clamping systems with a UV-curable adhesive bonding system. The adhesive is applied to the fiber and cured with UV light to secure the fiber in place, eliminating the need for mechanical clamps that cause non-axial forces and uneven stress distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical to chemical/optical (UV-curable adhesive). This parameter change allows the fiber to be secured with axial alignment, preventing torsional forces and ensuring uniform stress distribution during cleaving.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical clamps are used to secure optical fibers, then fibers can be held in place, but non-axial forces are applied leading to sub-optimal crack propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical clamping with UV-curable adhesive bonding, which secures the fiber without applying non-axial forces. This ensures that during cleaving, only the intended axial forces are applied, resulting in optimal crack propagation and high-quality cleaves.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fiber securing methods are used, then fibers can be positioned, but increased costs and higher scrap rates occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning and clamping systems with UV-curable adhesive bonding. This simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces fiber damage and scrap rates, and improves overall manufacturing efficiency by eliminating complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If conventional clamping systems are used, then fibers can be secured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical clamping mechanisms with a simple UV-curable adhesive application system. This dramatically reduces device complexity by eliminating moving parts, adjustment mechanisms, and complex clamping structures while maintaining effective fiber securing.
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 system ensures precise and stress-free cleaving of optical fibers, reducing manufacturing costs and improving splice reliability by using UV-curable material to secure fibers in a predefined orientation, suitable for various fiber diameters and shapes.
Implementation Method 1
The transverse structure and the groove receive ultraviolet light (UV) curable material, which secures the end of the bare optical fiber within the groove
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Systems for holding optical fibers in a predefined orientation and cleaving the optical fibers are shown. In one embodiment, the system comprises a substrate structure (310) with a groove (360) along the top surface (320) of the substrate. The groove (360) extends from the substrate front edge (330) in a direction that is parallel to the orientation of an optical fiber and is dimensioned to receive a portion of a bare optical fiber (410). The substrate structure (310) also comprises a transverse structure (370) on the top surface, which crosses the groove (360) at an angle. The transverse structure (370) receives ultraviolet light (UV) curable material, which secures the end of the bare optical fiber (410) within the groove (360). Securing the bare optical fiber (410) allows for proper tension to be applied during cleaving.