Optical Fiber Cutter Clamp-Lid Linkage for Scrap Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber cutters require manual operation of the lid portion for the scrap collection mechanism, which decreases work efficiency during optical fiber cleave and scrap collection processes.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber cutter with a scrap collection mechanism that includes a clamp and a movable blade, where the lid portion automatically opens and closes in conjunction with the clamp's operation, utilizing a driving unit to transmit the opening and closing actions to both the lid and a rotating roller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the lid portion is manually operated separately from the clamp, then the structure is simple, but the work efficiency decreases due to additional manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lid portion and clamp into a single integrated unit where the lid is attached to the clamp. When the clamp opens or closes, the lid automatically follows the same motion, eliminating the need for separate manual operation of the lid. This merging of functions directly resolves the contradiction by improving productivity through automated coordinated motion while maintaining relatively simple structure through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly serves multiple functions: it holds the optical fiber for cutting and simultaneously acts as the lid for the scrap collection case. This multi-functionality allows a single component to perform both clamping and lid-closing operations, thereby improving work efficiency without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Loss of time
If the lid portion is manually opened and closed separately, then the mechanism is simple, but time is lost during scrap collection operations
Solution Approach 1:
By attaching the lid portion to the clamp, the patent ensures that both components move together as a unified assembly. The lid automatically opens when the clamp opens and closes when the clamp closes, eliminating the time required for separate manual lid operations while maintaining ease of operation through the intuitive single-action mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is positioned and prepared in advance as part of the clamp assembly, so that when the clamp operates, the lid is already in the correct position and orientation to follow the clamp's motion. This preliminary positioning eliminates delays that would occur if the lid needed to be manually adjusted or positioned separately.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If scraps are collected in an open case, then access is easy, but scraps may be pulled back towards the clamp during closure
Solution Approach 1:
The lid portion is integrated with the clamp, creating a coordinated motion system. When the clamp closes, the lid simultaneously closes over the scraps in the case, preventing scraps from being pulled back toward the clamp. When the clamp opens, the lid opens to allow easy access to scraps. This merging resolves the contradiction by providing both protection and accessibility through a single integrated action.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber cutter that cleaves a part of an optical fiber, the optical fiber cutter comprising: an openable and closable clamp configured to hold the optical fiber, and a movable blade portion configured to scratch the optical fiber held by the clamp. The optical fiber cutter further comprises a scrape collection mechanism configured to collect scraps of the cleaved optical fiber. The scrape collection mechanism includes a case configured to accommodate the scraps, and a lid portion configured to open and close with respect to the case in conjunction with an opening and closing operation of the clamp.