Optical Fiber Coating Curing via UV Illuminance Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for producing optical fibers result in non-uniform curing of the coating along the fiber's longitudinal direction due to fogging of the quartz tube, leading to increased UV light intensity and uneven curing.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that control the power input to the UV light source based on the product of the illuminance of the UV light from the source and the illuminance transmitted through the quartz tube, ensuring a constant cure extent by eliminating the need for compensation for attenuation through the quartz tube's peripheral walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the power input to the UV light source is controlled so that the illuminance of UV light transmitted through the quartz tube is constant, then the UV light intensity at the output is stabilized, but the cure extent of the coating becomes non-uniform along the longitudinal direction due to fogging of the quartz tube
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors the illuminance of UV light transmitted through the quartz tube and adjusts the power input to the light source in real-time. This feedback mechanism compensates for changes in transmission due to fogging, maintaining constant illuminance at the output while preventing over-curing in regions with higher transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different control strategies to different regions along the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber. By considering the local transmission characteristics and fogging conditions at different positions, the system achieves uniform curing throughout the coating while preventing over-curing in specific regions with higher UV transmission
2Illumination intensity
If the power input to the UV light source is increased to compensate for attenuation through the quartz tube's peripheral walls, then the UV light intensity inside the quartz tube is maintained, but the cure extent of the coating becomes non-uniform and over-curing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback from the sensor measuring transmitted UV light intensity to dynamically adjust the light source power. This prevents the need for excessive power increase that would cause over-curing, while still maintaining adequate curing in regions with higher transmission
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly increasing power input throughout the entire quartz tube, the system applies partial correction only where needed based on local transmission characteristics and fogging conditions, avoiding excessive action that would lead to over-curing
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 ensures uniform curing of the coating along the optical fiber's length, preventing over-curing and maintaining consistent coating quality.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating UV light from outside the cylindrical body by using a light source to cure the glass fiber and form a coating
Implementation Method 2
irradiating UV light from outside the cylindrical body by using a light source to cure the glass fiber and form a coating
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing an optical fiber coated with a UV-curable resin material around a glass fiber includes: a step of applying the UV-curable resin material to the periphery of the glass fiber; a step of passing the glass fiber coated with the UV-curable resin material through an interior of a cylindrical body (illustrated with a quartz tube) capable of transmitting UV light; a step of irradiating UV light from outside the cylindrical body by using a light source (illustrated with a UV bulb) to cure the glass fiber and form a coating; and a step of controlling (illustrated with a power controller) a power input to the light source so that a cure extent of the coating is constant based on the illuminance of the UV light from the light source and the illuminance of the UV light transmitted through the cylindrical body.