Optical Fiber UV Curing Component with Reflective Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber curing technologies using mercury discharge lamps are inefficient due to their broad spectrum emission and low efficiency, which affects the curing process of ultraviolet curable coatings for bend and damage resistance.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber curing component featuring a tube with light sources emitting light in the 250 nm to 410 nm wavelength range, combined with a silica glass article having an anti-reflective coating and a reflective coating to focus light onto the optical fiber, enhancing the intensity and efficiency of the curing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If mercury discharge lamps are used for UV curing, then the curing process can be performed, but the light intensity is insufficient and the curing efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the curing system into multiple segments: a first tube with light sources for primary curing and a second tube with additional light sources for enhanced curing. This segmentation allows each tube to be optimized for specific curing requirements, thereby increasing overall light intensity and curing efficiency without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the second tube is positioned within or around the first tube, with both tubes containing light sources that work together. This nested arrangement allows the light from both tubes to converge on the optical fiber coating, effectively multiplying the light intensity and curing efficiency while maintaining a compact overall structure.
2Speed
If conventional mercury lamps are used, then the curing process can be completed, but the draw speed must be reduced to maintain quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using the first tube with light sources to initiate and primary curing process before the optical fiber exits the curing zone. This preliminary curing ensures that the coating begins to set immediately, allowing the fiber to be drawn at higher speeds while maintaining coating quality, as the curing process is already well underway before the fiber leaves the controlled environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by having both tubes with light sources operating simultaneously and continuously on the moving optical fiber. The first tube provides continuous curing action throughout the fiber's passage, while the second tube provides additional continuous curing action, ensuring that the coating is constantly being cured at high speed without interruption, thus maintaining both high draw speed and coating quality.
3Productivity
If the curing component length is increased to improve curing, then the light intensity can be distributed over a longer path, but the production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple curing tubes into a single integrated curing component. The first and second tubes with their respective light sources are combined to work on the same optical fiber path, creating a synergistic effect where the total curing capability is greater than either tube alone. This merging allows for compact positioning of multiple light sources in a limited space, maintaining high production efficiency while providing sufficient curing intensity.
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 provides a more efficient curing process with increased light intensity, allowing for faster curing and higher draw speeds of optical fibers while reducing the length of the curing component, thus improving the production efficiency and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective coating positioned on the interior surface of the first body and configured to reflect the light toward the central axis of the first tube
Implementation Method 2
a silica glass article having an anti-reflective coating, wherein the silica glass article is disposed between each of the plurality of light sources and the central axis of the first tube
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of light sources coupled to the first body of the first tube and configured to emit light having a wavelength range from about 250 nm to about 410 nm toward the central axis of the first tube
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber curing component includes a first tube comprising a first body defining a first interior surface and a first exterior surface, the first tube defining a first aperture and a second aperture on opposite ends of a first cavity, wherein the first tube defines a central axis extending through the first cavity; light sources coupled to the first body of the first tube and configured to emit light toward the central axis of the first tube, wherein each of the light sources intersect a common plane defined perpendicular to the central axis of the first tube; a silica glass article, having an anti-reflective coating, disposed between each of the plurality of light sources and the central axis of the first tube; and a reflective coating positioned on the interior surface of the first body and configured to reflect the light toward the central axis of the first tube.