Optical Fiber Direction Changer Float Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing optical fibers face limitations in productivity due to system height constraints, leading to unstable flotation of bare optical fibers in direction changers, which can result in fiber damage and coating thickness deviations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize direction changers with guide grooves and outlet nozzles to control the flow rate of fluid, adjusting the flotation position of bare optical fibers based on positional information and drawing tension, ensuring stable fiber drawing and coating application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a direction changer with constant gas pressure is used, then the structure is simple, but the flotation position becomes unstable when drawing tension varies
Solution Approach 1:
The gas pressure in the direction changer is made dynamically adjustable rather than constant. The control unit modifies the gas pressure based on real-time drawing tension feedback to maintain stable flotation position of the bare optical fiber throughout the drawing process
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control system is implemented where the drawing tension is measured by a tension detector and this information is fed back to the control unit, which then adjusts the gas pressure in the direction changer to compensate for tension variations and maintain stable flotation
2Reliability
If gas pressure is increased to maintain flotation, then flotation stability improves, but fiber damage risk increases due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system monitors drawing tension continuously and adjusts gas pressure accordingly, increasing pressure only when needed to maintain flotation stability while preventing excessive pressure that could damage the fiber
Solution Approach 2:
The gas pressure parameter is dynamically adjusted within an optimal range based on real-time drawing conditions, allowing the system to maintain stable flotation while avoiding harmful excessive pressure on the bare optical fiber
3Productivity
If system height is increased to improve productivity, then fiber cooling distance increases, but facility cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The direction changer is designed with adjustable gas pressure that can be optimized for different drawing speeds and productivity requirements, allowing improved manufacturing efficiency without requiring increased system height or new facility construction
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 approach stabilizes the flotation position of bare optical fibers, preventing damage and ensuring consistent coating thickness, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a direction changer including a guide groove, an internal space into which fluid is introduced from an outside, and an outlet nozzle, the guide groove being configured to guide a bare optical fiber, the outlet nozzle being formed in the guide groove and being configured to blow off the fluid from the internal space and thereby cause the bare optical fiber to float inside the guide groove
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing an optical fiber of the invention includes: preparing one or more direction changers; drawing the bare optical fiber from an optical fiber preform; providing a coated layer on a periphery of the bare optical fiber; obtaining an optical fiber by curing the coated layer; changing the direction of the bare optical fiber at the position between the bare-optical-fiber formation position and the coated-layer provision position; detecting the position of the bare optical fiber in at least one of the direction changers; and adjusting the introduction flow rate of the fluid into the direction changer based on positional information obtained by the detection.