Optical Fiber Drawing Furnace Control for Faster T/V Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber manufacturing methods fail to efficiently stabilize the T/V ratio during the preprocessing phase, leading to deviations from the target value and increased production time, thus reducing productivity.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a preprocessing process where power to the drawing furnace is adjusted to cause the T/V ratio to decrease along a quadratic function with a target value at the apex, using a control unit to manage the tension and speed of the optical fiber drawing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If power to the drawing furnace is adjusted to maintain T/V ratio at target value, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to extended preprocessing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing the optimal power supply pattern (quadratic function parameters) before the preprocessing phase begins. The control unit retrieves these predetermined parameters during preprocessing, eliminating the need for real-time iterative adjustments and significantly reducing preprocessing time while maintaining T/V ratio stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by transitioning from static linear power adjustment to dynamic quadratic function-based power supply control. The quadratic function adapts the power supply rate to the specific characteristics of each optical fiber preform, enabling faster and more accurate T/V ratio stabilization during the preprocessing phase.
2Ease of operation
If linear power adjustment is used to decrease T/V ratio, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to T/V ratio deviation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the power supply control parameters from simple linear adjustment to quadratic function parameters (coefficient of quadratic term, linear term, constant term, and end time). This enables the system to achieve accurate T/V ratio control while maintaining ease of operation through automated parameter retrieval and application.
3Manufacturing precision
If frequent power adjustments are made to correct T/V ratio deviations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates frequent adjustments by pre-calculating the complete power supply pattern using the quadratic function before preprocessing begins. The control unit simply executes the predetermined pattern, avoiding iterative corrections and significantly reducing the time lost to adjustments while maintaining precise T/V ratio 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 approach stabilizes the T/V ratio more accurately and quickly, reducing the time required to reach target values and improving overall productivity by minimizing adjustments after the T/V ratio stabilizes.
Implementation Method 1
heating an optical fiber preform by using the drawing furnace
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber manufacturing method includes supplying power to a drawing furnace to cause T/V to decrease to Ttarget/Vtarget along a quadratic function having a value of the Ttarget/Vtarget at an apex with lapse of time, where T is a tension applied to an optical fiber when an optical fiber preform is heated by the drawing furnace and the optical fiber is drawn, V is speed of withdrawing the optical fiber when the optical fiber is heated by the drawing furnace and the optical fiber is drawn, Ttarget is a target value of the tension, and Vtarget is a target value of the speed.