Single DOF Gear Transmission for Fiber Optic Polisher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic polishing machines require two motors for operation, making them unsuitable for applications where electric power is not available, such as in the oil and gas fields or outdoor settings, and they lack a mechanism to function as manual polishers.
Innovation Solution
A single degree-of-freedom (DOF) gear transmission system is developed, allowing a fiber optic polishing machine to be driven by a single motor or manually, using a one-to-four position mechanism that includes a one DOF gear transmission system, pressurizing module, and fixture module, enabling efficient polishing without the need for two motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fiber optic polishing machine uses two motors for driving, then the polishing quality and consistency are improved, but the device complexity and power requirements increase, making it unsuitable for field applications without electric power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two independent motor-driven systems into a single motor system that provides both rotational motion for the polishing pad and orbital motion for the ferrule holder through a integrated mechanism with eccentricity-adjustable crankshafts, eliminating the need for two separate motors while maintaining polishing quality
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: driving the polishing pad rotation and controlling the ferrule holder orbital motion through coupled mechanisms, making the system adaptable to both automated and manual operation modes
2Manufacturing precision
If a fiber optic polishing machine uses two motors for driving, then the polishing consistency is improved, but the ease of operation and portability deteriorate, preventing manual operation in field settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two motors into a single integrated drive system where one motor controls both the polishing pad rotation and the ferrule holder orbital motion through mechanically coupled components, enabling the system to be manually operated while maintaining polishing consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable eccentricity crankshafts that allow dynamic adjustment of the orbital motion parameters, enabling the single motor system to adapt to different polishing requirements and operate effectively in both automated and manual modes
3Manufacturing precision
If existing polishing machines are designed with two degree-of-freedom mechanical transmission systems, then the polishing path control is improved, but the adaptability to different power sources deteriorates, as they cannot function without electric power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal drive system that can accept either electric motor power or manual mechanical input, with the single motor capable of driving both the polishing pad rotation and ferrule holder orbital motion, making the system adaptable to field applications without electric power
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated mechanism combines the two degree-of-freedom motion control into a single drive train with eccentricity-adjustable components, allowing the system to maintain precise polishing path control while being operable by a single motor or manual input
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic polishing apparatus is disclosed including a single degree-of-freedom (DOF) gear transmission system, a pressurizing module, a fixture module, and a housing assembly motorized polisher. The single DOF gear transmission system would enable a fiber optic polishing machine, or polisher to be driven by only one motor, or by human hand. The manual polisher is a unique field polishing machine where electricity or battery is not available or not allowed. Both manual polisher and motorized polisher have the following features: polishing up to four connectors or ferrules simultaneously; adjustable force ensures consistent finish for a wide variety of connector types and the number of connectors in the fixture; quick release for convenient removal of polish fixture; low center of gravity for high stability; small footprint for multiple-machine operation to avoid time-consuming film change.