Optical Fiber Holder With Elastic Mediator for Tension Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical fiber holding devices face challenges in applying consistent tension to optical fibers during cutting, as tight fixation can damage the fiber, while loose fixation leads to slipping and inadequate tension, requiring precise torque wrench operation and low operability.

Innovation Solution

An optical fiber holding device with openable and closable holders, incorporating an elastic body, a drive unit, and a pusher to apply pressing force, allowing automatic closure and preventing fiber damage, along with a controller to determine optimal drive unit control based on fiber type and detection sensors for precise tension application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the base and lid are tightly fixed using a screw, then the optical fiber is securely held, but the optical fiber is destroyed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidfiber damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an elastic body as an intermediary between the lid and the optical fiber. The elastic body deforms elastically under compression, providing a cushioning effect that prevents direct transmission of excessive force to the optical fiber. This mediator allows the lid to be tightly fixed while protecting the fiber from damage through elastic deformation rather than rigid contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the degree of fixation is low, then the optical fiber is protected from damage, but the optical fiber slips between the base and lid, and required tension cannot be applied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber damageVSAvoidtension application reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic body serves as a mediator that transmits force while accommodating deformation. It provides sufficient frictional force to prevent slipping when the optical fiber is inserted, while still allowing the lid to be fixed with enough force to maintain proper tension during cutting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If a torque wrench with high accuracy is used to fix the base and lid, then the fixation precision is improved, but the operability is reduced due to the need for precise operation and screw release after cutting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixation precisionVSAvoidoperability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic body provides self-regulating force through its elastic properties. When the lid is closed, the elastic body automatically compresses and exerts a consistent restoring force that maintains proper fixation without requiring precise torque control. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for torque wrenches and complex adjustment procedures, significantly improving operability while maintaining fixation precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enhances operability by eliminating the need for precise torque wrench operation, ensuring consistent fiber tension, and reducing the risk of damage, while maintaining efficient power usage and preventing fiber twisting during cutting.

Implementation Method 1

The pusher is configured to generate a pressing force based on the driving power generated by the drive unit and press the lid by the pressing force via the elastic body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3018511B1Optical fiber holding device
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 FUJIKURA LTD
  • EP3018511B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3018511B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3018511B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

An optical fiber holding device of the invention includes a holder that includes a base and a lid which are openable and closable, sandwiches an optical fiber when the base and the lid are in a closed state, and thereby holds the optical fiber. The holder includes: an elastic body; a drive unit configured to generate driving power; and a pusher. The pusher is configured to generate a pressing force based on the driving power generated by the drive unit and press the lid by the pressing force via the elastic body. The lid and the base are configured to sandwich and hold the optical fiber based on the pressing force transmitted through the elastic body when the lid is pressed by the pusher via the elastic body.