Optical Fiber Recoating Device Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber re-coating devices face difficulties in handleability due to the uncoupled shield lid and molding die, requiring separate opening and closing operations, which complicates the handling process.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber re-coating device incorporates a play-reducing mechanism with a pressing mechanism and friction applying mechanism to improve handleability, allowing the inner and outer units to be opened and closed simultaneously, with a magnet system for secure closure and a friction control mechanism to reduce operational impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shield lid and molding die are not coupled together, then the shield lid can be independently positioned, but the handleability deteriorates due to requiring separate opening and closing operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent couples the shield lid and molding die together through hinges, merging two previously independent components into a coordinated system. This allows the operator to open and close both components simultaneously through a single operation, directly resolving the handleability issue while maintaining the functional independence of each component through the hinge mechanism
2Manufacturing precision
If the hinge is rigid without play, then the positioning precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased friction and difficulty in opening/closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressing mechanism that dynamically adjusts the clearance parameter in the hinge's ball bearing. By applying controlled pressure to reduce play while maintaining sufficient clearance, the system achieves both precise positioning and ease of operation, transforming the hinge from a static component to one with adjustable characteristics
3Ease of operation
If the hinge has play for ease of operation, then the ease of operation improves, but the positioning precision deteriorates due to gaps and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the hinge components, applying controlled force to eliminate play. This mediator component allows the hinge to maintain ease of operation through its ball bearing design while simultaneously achieving precise positioning by pressing the bearing to reduce clearance during the closing operation
4Productivity
If the opening and closing operation is performed quickly, then the productivity improves, but the impact and mechanical stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a friction applying mechanism that provides controlled resistance during the opening and closing motion. This beforehand cushioning effect through friction prevents sudden impacts by maintaining continuous contact force, allowing quick operations without generating excessive mechanical stress on the hinge and connected components
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
This design enhances handleability by enabling simultaneous opening and closing of the inner and outer units, simplifying operations and reducing operational impact, while maintaining secure closure and efficient resin curing.
Implementation Method 1
one of the paired covers having a magnet provided therein, the other of the paired covers having a magnet catch provided therein, the magnet and the magnet catch facing each other when the paired covers are in a closed state
Implementation Method 2
the first hinge includes a first ball bearing used for open and close
Implementation Method 3
the pressing mechanism presses the second ball bearing
Implementation Method 4
the second hinge includes a friction applying mechanism that comes into contact with a peripheral surface of a rotation shaft of the second hinge, thereby generates a frictional force thereon, and is used to reduce an impact during operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An optical fiber re-coating device of the invention includes an optical fiber coater that cures resin and coats a coating-removed portion of an optical fiber therewith. The optical fiber coater includes: an inner glass opening-and-closing unit including: a pair of glass members having grooves formed thereon; and a pair of mounting tables on which the respective glass members are provided and which are coupled to each other via a first hinge, wherein a hollow that is used to coat an optical fiber is formed by matching the grooves of the paired glass members when the mounting tables are in a closed state; and an outer opening-and-closing unit including: a pair of covers into which the respective paired mounting tables are fitted and which are coupled to each other via a second hinge, one of the paired covers having a magnet provided therein, the other of the paired covers having a magnet catch provided therein, the magnet and the magnet catch facing each other when the paired covers are in a closed state; and light sources that cure a resin used to coat an optical fiber provided in the inner glass opening-and-closing unit and are provided in the respective paired covers, and wherein the inner glass opening-and-closing unit and the outer opening-and-closing unit are removable, when the paired covers are in a closed state, the magnet attracts the magnet catch, the paired glass members are butt-jointed to each other, and the hollow is thereby in a closed state.