Optical Fiber Coating Removal via Liquid Lubrication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing synthetic coatings from optical fibers often result in surface damage and the creation of fragments, which degrade the fiber quality and require the use of solvents, compromising the cleanliness of the exposed surface.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a liquid with wetting properties between the coating and the fiber, combined with negative air pressure, to facilitate smooth sliding of the coating without fragments, eliminating the need for solvents and reducing operator influence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If coating material is displaced by knives without liquid lubrication, then coating removal efficiency is improved, but fiber surface quality deteriorates due to fragment adherence and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
A liquid with wetting properties is introduced as an intermediary substance between the coating and the fiber surface. The liquid penetrates into the space created during displacement and acts as a lubricant, enabling smooth sliding of the coating without generating fragments that would adhere to the fiber. This mediator prevents direct harmful contact between the coating material and the fiber surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state and properties of the interface between coating and fiber are changed by introducing liquid. The liquid alters the friction characteristics and adhesion properties, transforming the interaction from dry sliding (which generates fragments) to lubricated sliding (which produces smooth surface). This parameter change enables high-speed displacement without surface degradation.
2Manufacturing precision
If knife edges cut deeper into coating to improve removal completeness, then coating removal quality is improved, but risk of fiber damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid with wetting properties is supplied beforehand to the cut region, creating a protective lubricating layer between the knife edges and the fiber. This cushioning effect ensures that even if knives cut deeper into the coating, the fiber is protected from direct contact and potential damage, while still achieving complete coating removal.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional solvent and cloth method is used to remove coating fragments, then surface cleanliness is improved, but fiber quality deteriorates due to mechanical and chemical influence
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical and chemical removal method (cloth wiping and solvent application) is replaced by a lubricated sliding mechanism. The liquid with wetting properties enables the coating to slide off smoothly without generating fragments, eliminating the need for subsequent mechanical removal. This substitution avoids all harmful influences on the fiber surface while achieving complete coating removal.
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 a higher quality exposed surface by preventing fragment adherence and reducing the risk of fiber damage, allowing for faster and more consistent coating removal without solvent-induced quality degradation.
Implementation Method 1
supplying at least one drop of liquid with wetting properties to said cut formed in step a) upstream said knife edges with respect to the direction of said displacement of the knife edges away from the position of said cut for being sucked into a space created between said coating and the optical fibre during said displacement
Implementation Method 2
acting as a lubricant for a sliding of said coating to be removed along the fibre
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for and method of removing a protecting synthetic coating (1) from an elongated element (2) in the form of an optical fiber (3) surrounded by the coating wherein a cut (8) is created into the coating by knife edges (6). The element is displaced with respect to the knife edges in the longitudinal direction of the element for displacing coating material (17) by the knives. At least one drop of liquid (12) with wetting properties is supplied to the cut for being sucked into a space created between the coating and the optical fiber during the displacement for acting as a lubricant for sliding the coating along the fiber to remove the coating from the fiber.