Optical Fiber Polishing Fixture With Cam Lever Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber polishing fixtures require complex clamping assemblies that are time-consuming to load and unload, and often need to be sent back to manufacturers for repairs when parts need replacing, leading to increased operational time and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A spring member and clamping assembly with a cam shaft and lever mechanism that allows for adjustable ferrule size, reducing the risk of damage and enabling easy clamping and adjustment without the need for additional tools, featuring a three-spring action mechanism for secure and precise ferrule holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex clamping assemblies are used to hold connectors at desired angle and depth, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly is divided into modular components including individual clamps, springs, and adjustment mechanisms that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows operators to load and unload connectors more easily while maintaining precise positioning through the coordinated action of separate clamping elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly incorporates dynamic elements such as springs and adjustable clamps that can move and adapt to different connector positions. This dynamic design enables easy loading and unloading while maintaining precise angular and depth positioning through elastic deformation and mechanical adjustment.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex clamping assemblies are used to secure connectors, then manufacturing precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly is designed with pre-positioned clamps and springs that are already configured for precise connector positioning before the polishing operation begins. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments during operation, maintaining precision while improving throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clamps automatically engage and secure connectors in the correct position without requiring extensive manual manipulation. This self-service mechanism reduces operator intervention time while maintaining precise positioning, thereby increasing polishing productivity.
3Device complexity
If fixed clamping assemblies are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates when ferrule size variation is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly incorporates adjustable parameters such as spring tension and clamp position that can be modified to accommodate different ferrule sizes. This allows a relatively simple assembly design to adapt to various ferrule dimensions without requiring completely different clamping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly is designed with universal features that allow it to handle multiple ferrule sizes and connector types. The spring-loaded design and adjustable clamps provide multi-functionality, enabling a single assembly to adapt to different ferrule dimensions while maintaining structural simplicity.
4Reliability
If rigid clamping mechanisms are used to hold ferrules securely, then reliability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to potential ferrule damage
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly incorporates spring elements that provide cushioning before the clamps fully engage the ferrule. This beforehand cushioning prevents sudden impact forces that could damage the ferrule while still ensuring secure holding during the polishing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clamps use flexible elastic elements instead of rigid contact surfaces. This flexibility allows the clamps to conform to the ferrule shape and apply distributed pressure rather than concentrated forces, reducing the risk of ferrule damage while maintaining secure holding.
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
The solution reduces the time required for polishing multiple connectors and minimizes the need for tool usage, allowing for efficient and secure clamping of ferrules of varying sizes, thereby improving the overall efficiency and reliability of the optical fiber polishing process.
Implementation Method 1
the opposing narrower sides contact the upper spring thereby flexing the middle spring and the lower spring so that the middle spring contacts a ferrule positioned in the ferrule aperture
Implementation Method 2
The cam shaft is operatively connected to the lever and rotates when the lever pivots
Data Source
AI summary
A polishing fixture assembly comprises a fixture base, which has a ferrule aperture and a spring member, and a clamping assembly. The spring member comprises upper, middle, and lower springs. The upper spring forms a portion of a cam aperture. The middle spring is proximate the ferrule aperture. The clamping assembly has a clamp base, a lever, and a cam shaft. The clamp base is connected to the fixture base. The lever is pivotally connected to the clamp base and has unlocked and locked positions. The cam shaft is connected to the lever and rotates within the cam aperture when the lever pivots. As the lever is moved into the locked position, the cam shaft rotates, opposing narrower sides of the cam shaft contact the upper spring thereby flexing the middle spring and the lower spring so that the middle spring contacts a ferrule positioned in the ferrule aperture.