Optical Fiber Tape Core Resin Removal for Precise Fiber Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manufacturing apparatuses for optical fiber tape core wires fail to appropriately form coupling and separation portions due to uncured resin adhering to optical fibers, causing adjacent fibers to bond unintentionally.

Innovation Solution

A manufacturing method and apparatus using rotary blades to intermittently extrude and suction uncured resin between adjacent optical fibers, forming coupling and separation portions effectively, with a positioning part and suction mechanism to manage resin flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a shutter or disc is used to form separated and bonded portions by partially removing uncured resin, then coupling and separation portions can be formed, but the uncured resin may adhere to the shutter/disc again and bond adjacent optical fibers unintentionally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformation precision of coupling and separation portionsVSAvoidconsistency of fiber bonding control

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful uncured resin from the system by introducing a suction mechanism that removes the resin immediately after it is extruded by the rotary blade. This prevents the resin from re-adhering to the blade or optical fibers, thereby maintaining reliable control over which fibers are bonded and which are separated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a suction mechanism as an intermediary element between the resin extrusion process and the optical fibers. This intermediary actively manages the resin by suctioning it away, preventing unwanted adhesion while allowing the intended bonding process to occur in controlled separated portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a brush is used to remove resin from the disc in the cleaning means, then the disc can be cleaned, but the uncured resin in the cleaning means may adhere to the disc through the brush

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning capability of the discVSAvoidformation precision of separated portions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cleaning function from the mechanical brush system and replaces it with a suction-based removal mechanism. This eliminates the risk of the brush transferring uncured resin back to the disc, ensuring that the separated portions remain free of unwanted resin adhesion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical brush-based cleaning system with a suction-based system. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical contact that could transfer resin, while still achieving effective removal of uncured resin from the disc surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If resin is supplied continuously while optical fibers are sent out, then production efficiency is improved, but uncured resin may adhere to fibers and cause unwanted bonding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiency of optical fiber tape core wireVSAvoidprecision of coupling and separation portion formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains continuous supply of uncured resin and continuous movement of optical fibers through the system, ensuring high productivity. The useful action of resin coating continues uninterrupted while the harmful effect is prevented by the simultaneous continuous operation of the rotary blade and suction mechanism that manage resin removal in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the suction apparatus continuously monitors and removes excess resin as it is extruded by the rotary blade. This real-time feedback control ensures that resin is managed dynamically, preventing adhesion to fibers while maintaining continuous production flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The method and apparatus ensure precise formation of coupling and separation portions, preventing resin adhesion and enhancing the integrity of optical fiber tape core wires.

Implementation Method 1

a suction apparatus that absorbs the UV-curable resin that has adhered to the shutter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a spot UV lamp for curing the uncured UV-curable resin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV curing: Photopolymerisation

Data Source

PatentUS20260001096A1Manufacturing method for optical fiber tape core wire and manufacturing apparatus for optical fiber tape core wire

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 SHOWA ELECTRIC WIRE & CABLE CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a manufacturing method for an optical fiber tape core wire (10) including: coating a plurality of optical fibers (20) with a resin in an uncured state; removing, by a removal part (120), the resin in the uncured state partially; and curing the remaining resin in the uncured state. The removal part (120) includes a rotary blade (121), a slit (126), positioning part (122), and a suction part (123). In the removing of the resin, the resin in the uncured state between the optical fibers (20) is extruded to the outlet opening (126a) while moving the optical fibers (20) from upstream to downstream, and the resin in the uncured state extruded through the outlet opening (126a) is suctioned by the suction part (123).