Fiber Optic Crimping Tool with Integrated Angled Cutting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for processing optical fibers, particularly in packaging, require optimization in handling and cutting of optical waveguides, as they are cumbersome and do not provide clean cuts, often necessitating subsequent polishing.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a cutting mechanism that cuts optical fibers to length during crimping using the same actuation movement, and cuts the fibers at an angle to the longitudinal axis, simplifying handling and ensuring a clean, polished cut without the need for further polishing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cutting mechanism cuts optical fibers during or after crimping using the same actuation movement, then handling is simplified and operation time is reduced, but the cutting precision and cleanliness of the cut may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the crimping and cutting operations into a single integrated tool head. The crimping dies and cutting mechanism share the same actuation movement, allowing both operations to be performed simultaneously or sequentially in one stroke. This merging of functions simplifies handling and reduces the number of tool changes or repositioning operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is pretensioned at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the conductor before cutting. This preliminary action of angling the fiber creates optimal cutting conditions that result in a clean separating cut, ensuring high cut quality even though the cutting occurs during or after crimping in the same actuation cycle.
2Manufacturing precision
If the optical fiber is cut through under tension at an angle to the longitudinal axis, then the separating cut is clean and polishing is eliminated, but the cutting mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an angular dimension to the cutting operation by orienting the optical fiber at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the conductor during cutting. This dimensional change from straight-axis cutting to angled cutting creates the optimal conditions for a clean separating cut that eliminates the need for subsequent polishing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool head is designed as a multi-functional device that integrates crimping dies, cutting mechanism, and fiber pretensioning capabilities. This universal tool head can perform multiple operations (crimping, cutting, and fiber positioning) in a single setup, reducing the need for separate specialized tools and simplifying the overall processing system.
3Productivity
If multiple functions (stripping, crimping, cutting) are integrated into one tool, then productivity increases and handling is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges stripping knives, crimping dies, and cutting mechanisms into a single integrated tool head. All these functions share common structural elements such as the handle, jaw assembly, and actuation mechanism. This consolidation allows operators to perform stripping, crimping, and cutting operations in sequence without changing tools, significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating multiple functions, the tool head is segmented into distinct functional modules (stripping section, crimping section, cutting section). Each module can be independently designed, adjusted, and maintained. This segmentation manages the complexity by organizing functions into manageable units rather than a monolithic structure.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c
AI summary
The tool has crimping plungers for crimping optical fibers by plug connectors, and a trimming mechanism (27) for trimming ends of the optical fibers. The trimming mechanism trims the optical fibers during or after crimping of optical fiber in the same operating movement in which the crimping takes place. The trimming mechanism holds the optical fibers at an angle to a conductor longitudinal axis in the plug connectors under tension. The plug connectors are provided at a side of passages (25, 26) that are turned away from a stop (24).