Fiber Optic Securing Clip for Temporary Strand Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection techniques for fiber optic strands are inefficient when temporary couplings are required, as they often involve complex and durable methods like splicing, which are not suitable for short-term applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for aligning the ends of fiber optic strands using a securing component that provides a less permanent connection, such as a fiber optic securing clip, allowing for precise alignment and optical coupling without splicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If durable connection approaches like splicing are used for temporary fiber optic strand coupling, then connection strength and reliability are improved, but connection time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing a reconfigurable fiber optic system where connections can dynamically transition between permanent spliced connections and temporary mechanical connections. The system allows operators to switch connection types based on application needs, enabling quick disconnection and reconfiguration without permanent commitments, thus reducing connection time while maintaining reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fiber optic connection system into separate permanent spliced sections and temporary mechanical connection sections. This segmentation allows different connection methodologies to be applied to different parts of the same fiber optic cable system, enabling temporary couplings using simple mechanical connectors on specific segments while maintaining spliced connections elsewhere, thereby reducing overall connection time and complexity for temporary applications.
2Reliability
If durable connection approaches like splicing are used for temporary fiber optic strand coupling, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic selection of connection methods, allowing operators to choose simple mechanical connections for temporary applications instead of complex splicing procedures. This dynamic adaptability reduces device complexity and material requirements by deploying only the necessary connection type for each specific application scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the fiber optic system into sections that can use different connection methods, the patent allows temporary sections to use simple mechanical connectors while permanent sections use splicing. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity by avoiding the need to apply complex splicing procedures to entire cable systems when only temporary connections are needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If splicing is performed for temporary testing applications, then optical coupling precision is improved, but setup time and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection capabilities that allow rapid switching between connected and disconnected states for testing applications. Operators can quickly establish and terminate mechanical connections during testing without performing time-consuming splicing operations, thereby maintaining optical coupling precision when needed while dramatically improving testing speed and operational efficiency through quick reconfigurability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares fiber optic strands with pre-installed mechanical connectors or coupling mechanisms that enable immediate connection without requiring on-site splicing preparation. This preliminary action of pre-configuring connection points allows testing to begin immediately, improving both optical coupling precision and testing speed by eliminating the time required for splicing preparation and execution.
Data Source
AI summary
The technologies described herein are generally directed to the use of fiber optic cables for communication. For example, a method described herein can include moving opposing members of a fiber optic securing clip from an open position to a closed position, wherein the opposing members are spaced apart to receive a first fiber optic strand comprising a bare end. The method can further include, based on the opposing members being in the closed position, securing the bare end of the first fiber optic strand within the fiber optic securing clip comprising optically coupling the first fiber optic strand to an end of a second fiber optic strand.