Optical Fiber Fusion Splicer Tension Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fusion splicing methods for optical fibers often result in disconnection of the fusion spliced portion when removing the spliced optical fiber from a fusion splicer, due to inadequate tension control during the proof test.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus where optical fibers are held on movable stages, butted, fusion-spliced, and subjected to a proof test by moving the stages apart to apply tension, with the feed screw retracting to a position closer to the butting position than the original start, allowing controlled tension release before fiber removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the movable stages are distanced apart to apply tension during proof test, then the fusion spliced portion can be tested for strength, but the stub may jump up and cause disconnection when removing the fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The feed screw is moved to an intermediate position between the butting position and the original start position before removing the optical fiber. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the tension on the fusion spliced portion is reduced to a safe level before removal, preventing the stub from jumping up while maintaining the effectiveness of the proof test.
2Ease of operation
If the feed screw returns to the original start position after proof test, then the stages are fully repositioned, but the tension on the fusion spliced portion may cause stub jump-up during fiber removal
Solution Approach 1:
The feed screw is moved to an intermediate position before fiber removal rather than returning to the original start position. This preliminary positioning reduces the tension on the fusion spliced portion to a safe level, preventing stub jump-up during removal while still allowing the stages to be repositioned for the proof test.
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
Prevents disconnection and breakage of the fusion spliced portion during removal by maintaining tension on the spliced fibers, ensuring stable extraction and reducing the likelihood of the stub jumping up.
Implementation Method 1
moving feed screws, which are provided in the pair of movable stages, from an original start position to a butting position
Implementation Method 2
the optical fibers are fusion-spliced by electric arc
Data Source
AI summary
A method for fusion-splicing optical fibers and a fusion splicer are provided, which enable preventing a fusion spliced portion from disconnecting when the optical fiber is removed from the fusion splicer. A fusion-splicing method for optical fibers comprises: holding optical fibers and on optical fiber holding parts respectively provided on a pair of movable stages; butting ends of optical fibers by bringing the pair of movable stages mutually closer; fusion-splicing butted optical fibers to form a fusion spliced portion S; carrying out a proof test, the proof test including applying a tension to the fusion spliced portion S by moving the pair of movable stages so as to distance them from each other; and bringing the pair of movable stages mutually closer by a predetermined distance upon completion of the proof test.