Optical Fiber Guide Tool for Simultaneous Adhesive Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for installing optical fibers require multiple ladder movements for adhesive application and fiber embedding, leading to increased installation time and risk of fiber damage, especially when dealing with small form factor fibers that can peel out of uncured adhesive.
Innovation Solution
A guide tool device with adhesive passage and fiber guide channels allows simultaneous adhesive deposition and fiber embedding along structural surfaces, eliminating the need for ladder use and ensuring the fiber remains embedded in the adhesive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to deposit adhesive and embed fiber separately, then installation can be completed with simple tools, but installation time increases and fiber may peel out of uncured adhesive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the adhesive deposition function and fiber embedding function into a single integrated guide tool. The tool includes an adhesive dispensing mechanism with nozzle and a fiber guide channel that work simultaneously, allowing the installer to deposit adhesive and embed the fiber in one continuous motion without separate operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tool is designed with pre-configured adhesive passages and fiber guide channels that position the adhesive and fiber correctly before the adhesive cures. The fiber is guided through the channel and embedded in the adhesive as it exits the nozzle, ensuring proper embedding before the adhesive sets, preventing peeling.
2Area of stationary object
If installer uses ladder to reach elevated portions for adhesive deposition, then complete coverage can be achieved, but installation complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tool features an extensible rod mechanism that extends the reach of the adhesive dispensing gun in the vertical dimension. This allows the installer to deposit adhesive on elevated portions of the routing path while standing on the floor, eliminating the need to climb ladders while still achieving complete coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide tool is divided into modular components: a dispensing gun, an extensible rod with multiple segments, and a guide tool head. The rod can be extended or retracted in segments to reach different heights, providing flexible coverage without requiring the installer to physically elevate themselves.
3Shape
If small form factor fiber is used, then fiber visibility is reduced for aesthetic purposes, but fiber may peel out of uncured adhesive more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tool creates a localized environment where the fiber is immediately embedded in fresh adhesive as it exits the nozzle. The fiber guide channel ensures the fiber is positioned within the adhesive bead, creating strong local bonding at the interface between the small diameter fiber and the adhesive, compensating for the reduced overall fiber strength.
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
The solution significantly reduces installation time by allowing adhesive and fiber to be deposited in a single pass, minimizing ladder use and preventing fiber peeling, thus enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a consumer grade, low odor, nonhazardous, water based adhesive to bond optical fibers to walls and ceilings indoors
Data Source
AI summary
A guide tool device for an optical fiber includes a body having an adhesive passage between a proximal end and a flat distal end of the body. The passage communicates an adhesive supplied at the proximal end to an exit opening in the distal end. Each of a pair of fiber guide channels extends from the body to guide an optical fiber when aligned inside the channel, for relative movement over the exit opening in the distal end of the body during use of the device. A connector fixed on the proximal end of the body in communication with the passage, mates with a connector at the distal end of a syringe containing the adhesive. When urged by the syringe, the adhesive flows through the passage and out the exit opening in the distal end of the body, thereby coating the fiber when guided over the distal end during use.