Optical Fiber Holding Apparatus Resolving Miniaturization Interference
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber fusion-splicing apparatuses face interference issues and reduced holding force due to miniaturization, leading to slippage and incorrect tensile tests when the distance between components is extremely small.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber holding apparatus features a stage, rotatable lid section, and arm with an elastic member, allowing for stable fiber holding without interference, even at small distances, by positioning the elastic member away from the fiber holding section and using a stopper to restrict arm movement, ensuring a strong holding force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the optical fiber holding apparatus and electrode rod supporting base are disposed at an extremely small distance to achieve miniaturization, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the clamp chassis interferes with the electrode rod supporting base during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the fiber clamp spring and clamp chassis from a vertical arrangement (above the fiber clamp) to a horizontal arrangement (side by side with the fiber clamp). This dimensional change allows the clamp chassis to move in a direction perpendicular to the electrode rod supporting base, eliminating interference while maintaining miniaturization.
2Volume of moving object
If the fiber clamp spring size is reduced to maintain miniaturization, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the spring force decreases resulting in insufficient press force for holding the coated optical fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fiber holding function into two separate components: the fiber clamp (which provides press force through the spring) and the clamp chassis (which provides structural support and positioning). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the spring can be small for miniaturization while the clamp chassis maintains sufficient structural integrity and holding force.
3Volume of moving object
If the fiber clamp spring size is reduced to maintain miniaturization, then the apparatus size is reduced, but the holding force becomes insufficient causing slippage of the coated optical fiber during tensile test
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functional benefits of a larger spring ( sufficient force) with the constraints of miniaturization by using a compact spring design integrated with the clamp chassis. The combined structure allows the spring to exert adequate force for holding the fiber during tensile tests while maintaining overall apparatus miniaturization.
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 configuration enables stable and strong holding of optical fibers during fusion-splicing, preventing slippage and ensuring accurate tensile tests, even in miniaturized apparatuses with closely spaced components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, which pushes out the arm
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical fiber holding apparatus and the like, which has a structure for stably holding optical fibers with a satisfactory force without interfering with other components even when the apparatus is miniaturized. The optical fiber holding apparatus includes a stage for loading a front-end portion of the optical fiber and a lid section for sandwiching the optical fiber together with the stage. The lid section is rotatably connected with one end of an arm, and a fiber holding section is provided at the other end of the arm. The arm extends along the loading direction of the optical fiber and has such a length that the other end thereof is positioned outside of the lid section. Owing to this arrangement, the optical fiber to be held is pressed onto the stage at a further front-end side than the portion sandwiched by the stage and the lid section. As a result, a buffering space is ensured for avoiding interference with other components between the lid section and the optical fiber end face.