Fiber Cutter Blade Repositioning to Prevent Cut Surface Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
After forming an initial cut in an optical fiber, the cut surface may become dirty due to contact with the blade during removal from a fiber cutter.
Innovation Solution
A fiber cutter design that includes a base member with a fiber grip, a slide member with a fiber end grip, a cut forming section with a blade, and a tension application section, where the cut forming section moves with the slide member after the initial cut is formed, preventing contact between the cut surface and the blade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical fiber is held stationary in a fiber cutter for cutting, then the cutting operation can be performed, but the cut surface may contact the blade during removal causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by moving the cut forming section away from the optical fiber immediately after the cutting operation is completed. The control unit detects completion of the initial cut and automatically positions the cut forming section to a predetermined position before the fiber is removed, preventing potential contact between the cut surface and blade during fiber extraction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the blade remains in contact with the optical fiber during cutting, then precise initial cut formation is achieved, but the cut surface becomes dirty upon removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the cut forming section movable relative to the optical fiber holder. The system transitions from a static blade position during fiber placement to dynamic repositioning after cutting. The control unit automatically adjusts the blade position to separate it from the cut surface, eliminating contamination while preserving cutting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with automated control. Instead of requiring manual repositioning of the blade or careful fiber removal, a control unit automatically detects cut completion and repositions the cut forming section, substituting mechanical manual intervention with automated control to prevent contamination.
3Device complexity
If the fiber cutter uses a fixed blade position, then the structure is simple, but the cut surface contacts the blade during fiber removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic repositioning capability to the cut forming section. The blade positioning mechanism transitions from fixed to movable, allowing automatic repositioning after cutting. This added dynamic capability protects the cut surface while maintaining relatively simple overall device structure through automated control.
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 design effectively suppresses contact between the cut surface of the optical fiber and the blade, maintaining the cleanliness of the cut surface after cleavage.
Implementation Method 1
a tension application section that applies force between the base member and the slide member to apply tension to the optical fiber gripped by the fiber grip and the fiber end grip
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
[Problem] To suppress contact of a cut surface of an optical fiber and a blade after cleavage of the optical fiber. [Solution] A fiber cutter of this disclosure includes: a base member that includes a fiber grip for gripping an optical fiber; a slide member that includes a fiber end grip for gripping an end portion of the optical fiber, the slide member being movable relative to the base member; a cut forming section that includes a blade for forming an initial cut in the optical fiber between the fiber grip and the fiber end grip; and a tension application section that applies force between the base member and the slide member to apply tension to the optical fiber gripped by the fiber grip and the fiber end grip. The cut forming section is provided to the slide member, and when the initial cut formed by the blade grows and the optical fiber cleaves, the cut forming section moves together with the slide member by the force of the tension application section.