Fiber Spatial Coupling Device Gas Purge System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fiber spatial coupling devices face challenges in maintaining a consistent level of cleanliness during the exchange of process fibers, leading to potential contamination of optical elements due to exposure to dust and air, which can result in damage and deterioration.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a fiber spatial coupling device with a gas supply port between the collecting lens and the process fiber, incorporating a filter and dehumidifier to provide a clean and dry purge gas, maintaining a positive pressure within the device to prevent dust entry, and using a pressure sensor to control the gas supply for optimal cleanliness and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If optical fibers are tightly bound together using conventional methods, then structural stability is improved, but spatial misalignment and signal loss increase due to displacement during handling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidspatial alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the fiber bundle into individual slots within a rigid holder, with each fiber secured in its own designated position. This segmentation allows each fiber to be independently positioned and secured, preventing collective displacement while maintaining bundle integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid holder is pre-configured with precisely positioned slots and securing mechanisms before fiber insertion. This preliminary preparation ensures that fibers are immediately fixed in their correct spatial positions upon insertion, eliminating the need for subsequent realignment and preventing displacement during handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional binding methods are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional alignment and securing components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of alignment, positioning, and securing into a single integrated rigid holder structure. The holder simultaneously provides mechanical support, precise spatial positioning, and secure fixation for all fibers, eliminating the need for separate alignment and securing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rigid holder serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the fiber bundle, ensures precise spatial alignment of individual fibers, prevents displacement during handling, and facilitates easy installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If fibers are loosely arranged, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability and signal transmission reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling easeVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By providing individual slots for each fiber within the rigid holder, the invention enables easy identification and manipulation of specific fibers while maintaining the overall bundle structure. This segmentation facilitates ease of operation for installation and maintenance while ensuring each fiber remains securely positioned for reliable signal transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution effectively prevents dust from entering the device during process fiber exchange, reducing contamination and maintaining the reliability and quality of optical elements, while also ensuring sufficient gas flow for fiber extraction and reducing the risk of damage from high pressure.

Implementation Method 1

a gas supply port (8) which supplies the purge gas (1113) into the housing (1112) between the collecting lens (1116) and the process fiber (1118)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas flow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

Clean unit 1119 has a filter for removing foreign matter 1120 in the surroundings

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 3

incorporating a filter and dehumidifier to provide a clean and dry purge gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDehumidification: Desiccation

Implementation Method 4

maintaining a positive pressure within the device to prevent dust entry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3435127B1Fiber spatial coupling device
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3435127B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3435127B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3435127B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fiber spatial coupling device includes a detachable process fiber, an optical system, and a main body. The process fiber guides laser light. The optical system collects the laser light into the process fiber. The main body holds the optical system, and has a supply port for supplying gas to a space between the process fiber and the optical system.