Disposable Optical Fiber Ribbonizing Tool with Adhesive Reservoir
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for ribbonizing individual optical fibers into a ribbon format are expensive, time-consuming, and often damage the fibers due to the use of tape or messy adhesives, lacking a cost-effective and fiber-safe solution.
Innovation Solution
A ribbonizing tool with a main body featuring a fiber opening that aligns and applies adhesive to optical fibers, utilizing a spring mechanism to secure the fibers in an array and apply adhesive, ensuring easy use and disposability without fiber damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tape is used to ribbonize the ends of the optical fibers, then the fibers can be secured in an array, but the process is time-consuming and requires a razor blade to trim the tape which may knick the optical fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable adhesive applicator tool that is discarded after a single use. The tool includes a handle with a blade for trimming and an adhesive reservoir that delivers adhesive directly to the fiber array, eliminating the need for time-consuming cleaning operations and reducing the risk of fiber damage from repeated tool usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adhesive layer as an intermediary substance between the optical fibers and the trimming blade. The adhesive is applied through a controlled dispensing mechanism that positions it precisely on the fibers, allowing the blade to trim the adhesive rather than directly contacting the fibers, thereby preventing fiber nicking while enabling clean trimming.
2Reliability
If adhesives are used to ribbonize optical fibers, then the fibers can be secured, but the process is messy and requires cleaning up the adhesives after use
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive applicator is designed as a single-use disposable tool. The handle contains an integrated adhesive reservoir and dispensing mechanism that delivers adhesive precisely where needed. After use, the entire tool including the adhesive is discarded, eliminating all cleaning requirements and making the process clean and simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive applicator is designed to be self-contained with the adhesive already loaded in the reservoir. The device automatically dispenses the adhesive through a controlled mechanism, eliminating the need for separate adhesive application steps and subsequent cleaning operations. The tool serves its function and is then discarded.
3Reliability
If existing ribbonizing tools are used, then the fibers can be ribbonized, but they are expensive and time consuming to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a disposable adhesive applicator tool that can be manufactured at low cost and discarded after single use. The tool includes a handle, adhesive reservoir, and dispensing mechanism that are all integrated into one inexpensive unit, eliminating the need for expensive, reusable ribbonizing equipment while reducing the time required for the ribbonizing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated tool: the handle provides structural support, the adhesive reservoir stores and dispenses adhesive, and the blade trims the adhesive. This consolidation of functions into one device eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and procedures, reducing both cost and time while maintaining reliable fiber ribbonizing capability.
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 tool efficiently and safely transforms individual optical fibers into a ribbon format using adhesive, reducing costs and minimizing risk to the fibers, providing a user-friendly and cost-effective solution for technicians.
Implementation Method 1
pulling a portion of the length of the plurality of single optical fibers through the ribbonizing tool in the presence of the adhesive to apply adhesive to the plurality of single optical fibers
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber ribbonizing tool has a main body having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a thickness, the upper portion the lower portion having openings therein. The opening in the upper portion holds the optical fibers, while the opening in the lower portion allows the tool to be opened. An indentation is provided around the opening in the upper portion to hold an adhesive and to apply the adhesive as the optical fibers are drawn through the tool.