Optical Fiber Holder Pitch Conversion for Fusion Splicer Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in optical fiber diameters has led to alignment issues with existing fusion splicers, as their V-grooves are designed for larger pitches, necessitating costly redesigns or modifications to accommodate the new fiber pitches, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber holder with a pitch conversion portion featuring parallel ridge portions and flat bottom portions allows for adjusting fiber pitches to match those of a fusion splicer without removing the fiber coating, using a lid to prevent floating and minimize external forces on the fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If optical fiber diameter is reduced to achieve higher integration, then fiber capacity increases, but alignment compatibility with existing fusion splicers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch conversion portion acts as an intermediary component between the optical fiber holder and the fusion splicer. It includes a first pitch conversion region with first ridges having a first pitch and a second pitch conversion region with second ridges having a second pitch, enabling gradual transition from the holder's pitch to the splicer's pitch, thereby resolving the incompatibility between reduced fiber pitch and existing equipment pitch requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pitch parameter gradually through the pitch conversion portion. The first ridges have a first pitch different from the second ridges' second pitch, creating a transition zone that adapts the fiber arrangement from the holder's compact pitch to the splicer's standard pitch, maintaining compatibility without equipment redesign
2Adaptability or versatility
If pitch conversion structure is added to accommodate new fiber pitches, then equipment adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch conversion portion is merged into the holder body as an integrated structure rather than a separate component. The first and second pitch conversion regions are combined within the same holder, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the overall system while maintaining adaptability to different fiber pitches
3Strength
If coating removal is minimized to prevent fiber damage, then fiber strength is preserved, but alignment precision with different pitch equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch conversion is performed preliminarily in the holder before the fibers enter the fusion splicer. The pitch conversion portion pre-adjusts the fiber positions to match the splicer's pitch requirements, eliminating the need for coating removal and subsequent realignment operations, thereby preserving fiber strength while ensuring alignment precision
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber holder includes: a holder body including an accommodating portion, the accommodating portion being configured to accommodate a plurality of optical fibers in a state in which the plurality of optical fibers are arranged in parallel; and a first lid portion configured to be opened and closed relative to the holder body and cover at least a part of the accommodating portion. The accommodating portion includes a pitch conversion portion having a plurality of ridge portions arranged in parallel and a plurality of flat bottom portions between the plurality of ridge portions. The plurality of ridge portions have a uniform height of 0.1 mm or less from the bottom portions, and parallel intervals in between enlarge or lessen from one side toward the other side in a longitudinal direction.