Optical Fiber Ribbon Pitch Conversion for Mass Fusion Splicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available mass fusion splicers with a fixed 250 μm pitch cannot splice optical fiber ribbon cables with a 200 μm pitch, due to the lateral play caused by intermittently distributed matrix material, which hampers alignment in the splicer's grooves.
Innovation Solution
A method involving separating the end of a 200 μm pitch optical fiber ribbon cable into loose fibers, re-ribbonizing them to match the 250 μm pitch of a mass fusion splicer, and using a fiber holder to align and splice them with a second ribbon cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If matrix material is intermittently distributed to provide rollability, then rollability is improved, but lateral play increases causing alignment difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
A pitch conversion ribbon is introduced as an intermediary component between the 200 μm pitch ribbon cable and the 250 μm pitch mass fusion splicer. This pitch conversion ribbon has a transition section that gradually transforms the pitch from 200 μm to 250 μm, enabling the cable to be compatible with standard splicers while maintaining rollability through intermittent matrix distribution.
2Quantity of substance
If 200 μm diameter fiber is used to increase packing density, then fiber packing density is improved, but compatibility with standard splicers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch parameter of the ribbon cable is changed from 200 μm to 250 μm in the transition section, while maintaining the 200 μm fiber diameter. This parameter change enables compatibility with standard 250 μm pitch mass fusion splicers without sacrificing the high packing density benefits of 200 μm diameter fibers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pitch conversion ribbon is used to match splicer pitch, then splicer compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pitch conversion ribbon is prepared in advance with a pre-formed transition section that gradually changes pitch from 200 μm to 250 μm. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time pitch adjustment during splicing, allowing technicians to simply connect the pre-prepared ribbon to the standard splicer.
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
Enables the splicing of optical fiber ribbon cables with different pitches using standard mass fusion splicers, overcoming the alignment issues and achieving successful connections.
Implementation Method 1
mass fusion splicer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for splicing a first optical fiber ribbon cable to a second optical fiber ribbon cable includes separating an end of the first optical fiber ribbon cable into loose optical fibers, and re-ribbonizing the loose optical fibers into a ribbonized end having a second pitch different from the first pitch of the original first optical fiber ribbon cable. The method further includes inserting the ribbonized end into a mass fusion splicer having the second pitch, and splicing the ribbonized end to the end of the second optical fiber ribbon cable using the mass fusion splicer.