Optical Fiber Cleaving Apparatus With S-Bend Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical fiber cleaving methods face challenges in controlling the direction and quality of the cleave due to uncontrolled non-axial components and excess tension, which can result in rough surfaces and uncontrolled end angles, and existing clamping systems often damage the fibers or require complex setups for multiple fibers.
Innovation Solution
The method involves deflecting the optical fiber to induce internal stresses across its length, allowing for controlled cleaving by scratching the fiber with a blade, using a non-trapping clamping system that applies stress without direct pressure, and employing an anvil to manage tension and angle, enabling precise control over the cleaving process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal clamping surfaces are used to clamp and trap the fiber, then the fiber can be held in position for cleaving, but the fiber may be damaged and the clamping surfaces may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the deflecting member that creates S-bend) between the clamping surfaces and the fiber. This mediator allows the fiber to be held in position without direct trapping, eliminating damage while maintaining stability during cleaving operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trapping the fiber directly between hard surfaces, the patent inverts the approach by using a deflecting member to create controlled bending that indirectly holds the fiber in position, avoiding direct contact pressure that causes damage.
2Productivity
If excess tension is applied to the fiber, then the cleave propagates quickly, but the crack may branch undesirably leaving a roughened surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of tension through the deflecting member mechanism. The S-bend configuration allows tension to be applied and adjusted dynamically during the cleaving process, enabling fast propagation while maintaining surface quality through controlled stress distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of fiber tension by introducing controlled bending (S-bend). This parameter change allows the same fiber to experience optimized tension levels that enable fast cleaving without surface roughening, as the bending redistributes the stress along the fiber length.
3Manufacturing precision
If insufficient tension is applied to the fiber, then the critical crack depth required to initiate propagation becomes too large, but applying larger scratching force may displace the fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting member provides dynamic stabilization during the scratching process. As the blade scratches the fiber, the S-bend configuration adapts and maintains optimal tension levels, preventing fiber displacement while ensuring proper crack initiation conditions are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring the S-bend with the deflecting member before scratching begins. This pre-established configuration cushions the fiber against displacement during scratching while maintaining the necessary tension for proper crack initiation.
4Manufacturing precision
If the fiber is deflected to induce internal stresses, then controlled cleaving is achieved, but the clamping system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The deflecting member serves multiple functions: it creates the S-bend for stress induction, holds the fiber in position during cleaving, and provides tension control. This multi-functionality achieves precise angle control without requiring separate complex clamping mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of clamping, deflecting, and tensioning into a single integrated deflecting member. This consolidation achieves controlled cleaving with precise angle control while minimizing overall system complexity compared to separate mechanisms for each function.
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 approach allows for consistent, controlled cleaving of optical fibers with reduced risk of damage, enabling precise angle control and minimizing back reflections, while also simplifying the clamping process for both single and ribbon fibers, improving the efficiency and reliability of optical fiber termination.
Implementation Method 1
deflecting the optical fiber to induce internal stresses across its length
Implementation Method 2
scratching the fiber with a blade, allowing controlled propagation of the scratch through the fiber
Data Source
AI summary
A method of cleaving an optical fiber and apparatus therefor including a hand tool wherein the optical fiber to be cleaved (6) has a natural path. The method of cleaving includes deflecting the optical fiber (6) away from its natural path in a first direction and at a point spaced longitudinal along the length of the fiber deflecting the optical fiber in a second direction opposed to the first direction. The opposing deflection induce internal stresses in the fiber that extend substantially across the core of the optical fiber over a region of the length of the optical fiber. The fiber may then be scratched in this region with a cleaving blade (5) so as to induce cleaving of the optical fiber. The cleaving is controlled by controlling the internal stresses induced in the fiber by in turn controlling the degree of deflection induced in the fiber. Further the fiber (6) may be placed under extension to assist in the control of the stresses induced.