Optical Fiber Bundle Coupling and Abrasive Treatment for Fabric Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for integrating optical fibers into fabric for lighting applications are bulky, unsafe, and result in inconsistent lighting effects due to manual handling and inadequate bundling techniques, leading to unstable connections to light sources.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus comprising a light source, optical fiber bundle, circuit board, and waterproof case with a snap-fit configuration for stable optical fiber bundling, combined with a tool for treating fiber optic fabric to achieve uniform light emission, using a handle with rotating blades to expose optical fibers for enhanced light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual bundling methods using heat-shrinkable tube or tape are used, then optical fiber strands can be connected to light sources, but the bundles are unstable and connections are unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber bundle connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: a coupling interface with a coupling member on the light source side, and a corresponding coupling interface with a coupling member on the bundle side. This segmentation allows for standardized, reliable connections while keeping each component relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling interfaces act as intermediary elements between the light source and the optical fiber bundle. These standardized coupling interfaces with coupling members facilitate stable mechanical and optical connection, resolving the reliability issue without requiring complex integrated structures.
2Illumination intensity
If abrasion treatment with sandpaper is used to make fiber optic visible, then light emission can be achieved, but the fabric surface becomes inconsistent and quality is low
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a disposable or replaceable abrasive element (such as an abrasive wheel or belt) that can be easily replaced when worn. This allows consistent abrasive treatment to be maintained over time, ensuring uniform fabric surface treatment and consistent light emission quality without requiring permanent, complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The abrasive treatment device is designed to automatically maintain the abrasive surface through self-sharpening features or easy replacement mechanisms. This self-service capability ensures consistent abrasion quality without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems, thereby maintaining both light emission visibility and fabric surface uniformity.
3Illumination intensity
If chemical treatment is used to treat fiber optic fabric, then light emission can be enhanced, but fabric surfaces are damaged and treatment quality is hard to control
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces chemical treatment methods with mechanical abrasion treatment. The abrasive wheel or belt mechanically removes the outer layer of the optical fiber to expose the light-emitting core, achieving the same light emission enhancement without introducing harmful chemicals that could damage the fabric or create control difficulties.
4Volume of moving object
If compact apparatus design is implemented, then safety and portability are improved, but integration of light source and optical fiber becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The compact apparatus is segmented into modular components: a light source with coupling interface, an optical fiber bundle with matching coupling interface, and a treatment device with abrasive element. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately and assembled through standardized coupling mechanisms, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber bundle is nested within a protective sheath or conduit that integrates with the light source housing. The coupling interfaces are nested within each other during assembly, allowing compact integration of multiple components without increasing overall apparatus volume, while maintaining ease of assembly through the standardized coupling mechanism.
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 provides a safe, compact, and effective means for creating stable optical fiber bundles connected to light sources, ensuring consistent and aesthetically pleasing lighting effects in fiber optic fabric applications.
Implementation Method 1
Optical fibers are thin strands of material, typically made of silica or plastic that transmit light
Implementation Method 2
Current technique uses abrasion, typically with available equipment not specifically designed for fabric treatment, such as using sandpaper to rub the fabric surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light emitting fabric piece with embedded light source. The light emitting fabric piece comprises lights, cables, optical fiber to conduct light and embedded into fabric, and a controller. The light emitting fabric piece can be part of clothing garments, curtains, wall coverings, furniture coverings, or other fabric applications. The present invention also relates to a device for cutting fiber optic fabric to create dense light points in patterns and a method and assembly to prepare an optical fiber bundle.