Optical Fiber Ribbon Identification via Segmented Color Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber ribbon identification methods using colored layers over the entire length of fibers are limited by the number of colors available, making it difficult to distinguish both fiber and ribbon numbers, and require additional ink for markings, increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber ribbon design where each optical fiber has a colored section formed in a portion of its length according to a common pattern, allowing identification by color and pattern, reducing ink usage and costs, and enabling both fiber and ribbon number identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a colored layer is formed over the entire region in the length direction of each optical fiber, then each optical fiber can be identified by color, but the number of distinguishable optical fibers is limited by the number of colors available
Solution Approach 1:
The colored layer is segmented along the length direction of the optical fiber, with different sections colored in different colors. This segmentation allows multiple identification codes to be created using a limited set of colors, thereby increasing the number of distinguishable optical fibers without being limited by the total number of available colors.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the optical fiber are assigned different local colors to create unique identification patterns. This local quality variation enables each optical fiber to have a distinct color code combination, improving identification capability while using a limited palette of colors throughout the entire fiber bundle.
2Loss of information
If a colored layer is formed over the entire region in the length direction of each optical fiber, then fiber identification is achieved, but additional ink is required for markings to identify both fiber number and ribbon number, increasing manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The colored layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies the optical fiber within the ribbon through color coding, and it identifies the ribbon number through the pattern of colored sections. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate marking inks, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining full identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of fiber identification and ribbon identification are merged into a single color coding system. The colored sections on each fiber provide both the fiber-specific color code and the ribbon-specific pattern, combining what would traditionally require separate marking processes into one integrated solution.
3Loss of information
If coloring ink is applied over the entire region in the length direction of each optical fiber, then complete color coverage is achieved, but ink consumption increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying colored ink over the entire length of each optical fiber, the invention applies colored ink only to specific sections along the fiber length. This partial action approach provides sufficient identification capability through the color pattern while significantly reducing ink consumption and associated manufacturing costs.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~5B
AI summary
[Problem] To achieve, at low cost, identification of optical fibers constituting an optical fiber ribbon. [Solution] The disclosure involves an optical fiber ribbon including a plurality of optical fibers arranged side by side in the width direction. Each optical fiber includes a colored section colored by an identification color for identifying the optical fiber from the other optical fibers. The respective colored sections of the plurality of optical fibers are each formed by coloring a portion, in the length direction, of the respective optical fiber according to a common pattern.