Optical Fiber Cleaving Device Segmented Clamping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical fiber cleaving devices face challenges in securely holding and efficiently removing fibers with diameters below 1 mm, as the small size makes them difficult to grip and position for further processing without damaging.

Innovation Solution

The optical fiber cleaving device features elongated members with a hinge mechanism, power means for secure clamping, and guiding features to align and hold fibers of varying diameters, ensuring precise and damage-free cleaving and easy handling of the fiber parts post-cleaving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional holder is used to secure the fiber, then the fiber can be held during cleaving, but the fiber part cannot be easily removed for transfer to subsequent processing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fiber part removalVSAvoidsecure holding of fiber
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into two separate members that can move independently relative to each other. One member remains fixed while the other can be opened to release the fiber part, allowing easy removal while maintaining secure holding during cleaving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with movable members. The second member can be opened and closed to facilitate fiber insertion and removal, while the first member provides stable securing during the cleaving process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the fiber is held tightly during cleaving, then cleaving precision is improved, but the fiber part becomes difficult to remove without damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaving precisionVSAvoidease of fiber part removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The holding function is segmented between two members: the first member provides tight securing for precision cleaving, while the second member can be opened to release the fiber part without damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder becomes dynamic with the second member movable to release the fiber part after cleaving, allowing transition from tight holding to easy removal without compromising cleaving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the holder structure is simplified for easy fiber removal, then operational ease is improved, but the secure holding capability during cleaving is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of fiber part removalVSAvoidholding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The holding function is divided between two members: the first member maintains strong holding capability for secure cleaving, while the second member provides easy release mechanism for fiber part removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two members with different functions (strong holding and easy release) are merged into a single holder assembly, combining the advantages of both strong securing and easy removal capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2902823B1An optical fiber cleaving device
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 NYFORS TEKNOLOGI
  • EP2902823B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2902823B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2902823B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An optical fiber cleaving device comprises a frame provided with cleaving means for cleaving an optical fiber (4) therewith, and first and second (6) fiber clamping arrangements configured to hold a fiber (4) to be cleaved on opposite sides of the fiber cleaving means during cleaving of the fiber (4). The optical fiber cleaving device further comprises first securing means configured to removably secure said first clamping arrangement to the frame and second securing means configured to removably secure said second clamping arrangement (6) to the frame.