Optical Fiber Inspection Tool Perpendicular Viewing Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical power losses in fiber optic networks are significant due to 'fiber lips' and contamination on optical fiber end faces, particularly during field terminations, which can damage mechanical splices and lead to increased power loss.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber inspection device with a housing and lens assembly that allows for the assessment of the end surface and length of the optical fiber, featuring a fiber position assembly with a tube structure that orients the fiber perpendicularly to the axis of viewing, enabling the inspection of the cleaved end for proper alignment and cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If field termination methods are used to terminate optical fibers in the field, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to fiber lips and contamination on end faces
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection device is designed to be used immediately after fiber cleaving, before the fiber is inserted into the mechanical splice. This preliminary inspection allows detection of fiber lips and contamination while the end face is still accessible and visible through the inspection device, enabling correction before final installation
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection device serves as an intermediary between the field termination process and the mechanical splice installation. It provides a controlled inspection environment that can detect end face defects without requiring the fiber to be permanently installed, thus mediating between ease of field operation and quality requirements
2Ease of operation
If optical fiber end faces are inspected using traditional field methods, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because the fiber must be inserted into the mechanical splice for inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection is performed preliminarily before the fiber is inserted into the mechanical splice. The device includes a viewing chamber and illumination system that allows direct observation of the fiber end face through an opening in the housing, eliminating the need for subsequent insertion and potential damage
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection device creates an optical copy or image of the fiber end face through the lens and viewing chamber system. This allows the end face to be inspected and documented without physically manipulating or inserting the fiber into the mechanical splice, preserving the original end face condition
3Ease of operation
If mechanical splices are used to join optical fibers, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of energy increases due to optical power losses from fiber lips and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection device is used to detect and identify fiber lips and contamination on the end face before the fiber is inserted into the mechanical splice. This preliminary detection allows for correction of the cleave or cleaning of the end face, preventing energy loss from the outset
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection device provides feedback about the quality of the fiber end face to the operator. By illuminating the end face and allowing visual inspection through the viewing chamber, the system provides immediate feedback on whether the fiber is suitable for splicing, enabling correction before energy loss occurs
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 device effectively reduces optical power losses by ensuring proper cleaving and alignment of optical fibers, minimizing the risk of fiber lips and contamination, thereby improving the quality of mechanical splices and maintaining optimal system performance.
Implementation Method 1
An axis of viewing is defined by a lens, which is disposed within the housing, and the opening
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber inspection device includes a housing, wherein the housing defines an opening disposed on an end portion. A lens is disposed within the housing, wherein the lens and the opening define an axis of viewing. A fiber position assembly is mounted to the housing. The fiber position assembly includes a tube having a first axial end portion and a second axial end portion. An inner diameter of the first axial end portion is larger than an inner diameter of the second axial end portion. The inner diameters of the first and second axial end portions of the tube define an inner passage, wherein a longitudinal axis of the inner passage is about perpendicular to the axis of viewing.