Fiber Optic Cable Stripper With Centering Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic cable stripping devices often damage the fiber during the stripping process, particularly at the ferrule chamfer or where the stripping blades first contact the fiber, leading to reduced strength and potential breakage, which is a concern for Fiber to the Home (FTTH) applications where undamaged fibers are crucial for maintaining service.
Innovation Solution
The use of improved stripping blade configurations with semi-circular notches and centering structures that align the fiber optic cable horizontally and vertically, minimizing contact with the fiber and allowing for precise stripping of the buffer and coating without damaging the optical fiber, along with replaceable parts for the stripping blades and centering structures to accommodate different types of cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If stripping blades are used to remove the buffer or coating, then the protective layer is stripped off, but the fiber may be damaged by blade contact or rubbing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer support surface as an intermediary element between the stripping blades and the fiber. This support surface holds the buffer during stripping, preventing direct contact between the blades and the fiber, thereby eliminating fiber damage while maintaining effective buffer removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional direct mechanical contact stripping method with a support-based system. Instead of blades directly contacting and rubbing the fiber, the buffer is supported on a dedicated surface, substituting the harmful mechanical interaction with a controlled support mechanism
2Manufacturing precision
If stripping blades contact the fiber to remove the coating, then the coating is stripped, but the fiber strength is reduced and breaking may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer support surface acts as a mediator that prevents blade contact with the fiber. The support surface allows precise coating removal while the fiber remains protected, maintaining both stripping accuracy and fiber strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the buffer on the support surface before the stripping action begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the buffer is securely held in place, allowing precise coating removal without the need for blade contact with the fiber
3Productivity
If conventional stripping devices are used, then the stripping function is achieved, but alignment precision is insufficient leading to fiber damage
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer support surface provides self-alignment functionality. The support surface is designed with specific geometry that automatically centers and positions the buffer correctly relative to the stripping blades, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments while maintaining high precision
Data Source
AI summary
Replaceable structures for use with a fiber stripping device are disclosed. The structures include a blade including an edge with a semi-circular notch having a diameter of about 0.0096 inches for stripping a tight-buffer cable including fiber with a 125 μm diameter and a surrounding coating with a 250 μm diameter, the buffer of 900 μm bonded to the coating. A centering structure aligns the cable horizontally and vertically with respect to a pair of blades. The centering structure includes a body with an offset protruding portion defining a top contact surface acting as a vertical stop for the cable. An elongate groove at a second end of the body extends from the second end toward the first end and includes an open end toward the second end and a closed end toward the first end, a portion of the groove formed by the top contact surface.