Automated Fiber Polishing System with Multi-Pressure Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber polishing stations face challenges in precisely replicating skilled tasks and reducing wait times while maintaining the intricate structure and optical properties of glass or plastic optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
A fiber polishing system that includes a robot with an end effector capable of manipulating tools such as a polishing disk, high and low pressure water nozzles, and air nozzles, along with a station controller to automate the polishing process, utilizing a platen, handle, and dogs to lock the fiber polisher during polishing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated polishing equipment is used, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision may deteriorate due to difficulty in replicating skilled manual tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The automated polishing system replicates the precise manual polishing techniques of skilled operators through programmable robotic end effectors that copy human hand movements and pressure application, enabling automated reproduction of expert-level polishing quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system precisely controls and adjusts polishing parameters including pressure, speed, and polishing compound application to match the conditions created by skilled manual polishing, ensuring consistent high-quality results across automated production
2Manufacturing precision
If complex manual polishing tasks are performed, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but loss of time increases due to skilled operator involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The automated polishing system performs complex polishing tasks independently without requiring skilled operator intervention for each fiber, with the robotic system self-managing the polishing process through pre-programmed sequences and real-time parameter adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous polishing operation without the interruptions typical of manual loading, unloading, and inspection, keeping the polishing process in constant productive motion to reduce cycle time while maintaining quality
3Loss of time
If simple repetitive polishing tasks are automated, then loss of time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic end effector is designed as a multi-functional tool that can perform multiple polishing operations, disk changes, and cleaning tasks through a single integrated system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the polishing disk manipulation, water spray application, air drying, and fiber handling functions into a single integrated automated sequence, eliminating separate manual operations and reducing wait times between tasks
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 system enables precise and efficient polishing of optical fibers, reducing wait times and ensuring consistent optical properties by automating repetitive tasks and precise manipulations.
Implementation Method 1
spraying water using a first water pressure
Implementation Method 2
spraying air using an air pressure
Implementation Method 3
misting low pressure water using a second water pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A method for polishing fibers implements a fiber polishing system. The method includes manipulating a disk, spraying water using a first water pressure, and spraying air using an air pressure. The method further includes misting low pressure water using a second water pressure, manipulating a handle, and manipulating one or more dogs.