Fiber Organizer Automates Optical Cable Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in automatically organizing optical fibers from a random sequence to a predetermined sequence, which is essential for ensuring proper transmission of optical signals in fiber optic cables, but existing methods are inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A fiber sorting system that includes a first assembly, a second assembly, a computing system, and a control application, which identifies key combinations from an initial sequence and actuates the movement of fibers to reorder them into a predetermined sequence using actuators and a machine learning model to predict and verify the correct alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual fiber organization methods are used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but productivity is low and time consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber organization system is divided into modular components: a first assembly for holding fibers in initial sequence, a second assembly for receiving fibers in predetermined sequence, and a computing system with control application. This segmentation enables automated high-speed operation while maintaining system flexibility and adaptability through independent module design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control application serves as an intermediary between the physical fiber assemblies and the control logic. It identifies key combinations from initial and predetermined sequences, determines which keys to actuate, and coordinates the sliding motion of the second assembly across the first assembly, thereby enabling automated operation without requiring complex direct mechanical control.
2Productivity
If automated fiber sorting is implemented, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback through the control application that continuously monitors the fiber sequence and compares it against the predetermined sequence. The control application identifies key combinations and determines precise key actuation based on this feedback, ensuring that fibers are accurately reorganized into the correct sequence even at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying key combinations from the initial sequence and predetermined sequence before the actual fiber reorganization begins. The control application determines the complete set of key actuations needed in advance, allowing the mechanical system to execute precise movements without real-time decision delays.
3Loss of time
If traditional fiber sorting methods are used, then device complexity remains low, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional mechanical fiber sorting methods with an automated system that uses a computing system and control application to determine key combinations. The control application electronically identifies and coordinates key actuations, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated control logic that operates much faster.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic elements including the sliding motion of the second assembly across the first assembly, and the actuation of keys at different positions and times based on the fiber sequence. This dynamic operation allows the system to adapt to different fiber configurations and achieve rapid reorganization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method organizes fibers. A plurality of fibers is received into a first assembly. An initial sequence of the plurality of fibers in the first assembly is obtained. A set of key combinations is identified from the initial sequence and a predetermined sequence. A second assembly is slid across the first assembly. The set of key combinations is actuated to move the plurality of fibers from the first assembly to the second assembly and order the plurality of fibers in the second assembly in the predetermined sequence.