Optical Fiber Fusion Splicing Heating Control via Real-Time Luminance Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the adequate heating amount in fusion splicing of optical fibers are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and require frequent arc discharge tests, especially in changing environments, leading to inefficiencies and potential misalignment or excessive heating issues.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses an image capturing device to observe and measure the luminance and light emitting width of optical fibers during arc discharge heating, allowing for real-time adjustment of the heating amount by comparing these measurements to predetermined values, thereby optimizing the fusion splicing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If arc discharge test is conducted frequently to adjust heating amount, then heating precision is improved, but labor and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical measurement method (measuring melt back length after arc discharge) with an optical measurement method (image capturing device to measure light emitting portion area). This substitution enables real-time measurement during arc discharge without requiring separate test arcs, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measured area of the light emitting portion is immediately used to determine whether to adjust the arc discharge power. This real-time feedback loop eliminates the need for separate test arcs and manual adjustments, allowing the system to self-optimize the heating amount quickly and accurately without increasing labor or time consumption.
2Measurement precision
If arc discharge test is conducted frequently to adjust heating amount, then heating precision is improved, but work complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual operations (cutting fibers, conducting separate test arcs, measuring melt back) with an integrated optical measurement system that captures images during the arc discharge process. This substitution simplifies the overall test procedure while improving measurement precision through digital image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-measurement and self-adjustment using the image capturing device and area calculation algorithm. The apparatus automatically determines whether the light emitting portion area is within the appropriate range and signals for power adjustment, eliminating the need for external operators to conduct separate tests and make manual adjustments.
3Measurement precision
If melt back measurement is performed after arc discharge heating, then heating amount can be determined, but real-time adjustment is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the measurement action during the arc discharge heating process itself rather than after completion. By capturing images of the light emitting portion while heating is occurring, the system enables real-time determination of heating adequacy, allowing immediate adjustment before the heating process completes, thus achieving both precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback during the arc discharge heating process by continuously monitoring the light emitting portion area. This immediate feedback allows the control system to adjust arc discharge power on-the-fly, achieving real-time optimization without waiting for post-heating measurements, thereby simultaneously achieving measurement precision and real-time adjustment speed.
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 approach enables precise and efficient determination of the optimal heating amount for fusion splicing, reducing the need for frequent arc discharge tests and minimizing labor and time, while preventing core misalignment and excessive heating issues.
Implementation Method 1
it has been known that the number of times the arc discharge electrodes have been used also affects the heating temperature
Implementation Method 2
measuring a luminance, a light emitting width, or a change in the luminance and the light emitting width
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a heating amount adequate for fusion splicing is provided. In the method, the melting state of the end portions of optical fibers can be monitored on a real time basis so that fewer tests need to be performed. A method of fusion splicing and a fusion splicer are also provided. In the method of determining the heating amount, end portions of optical fibers that are placed opposite one another with a predetermined gap therebetween are heat-melted; an image of portions to be heat-melted is observed with an image-capturing device; and a luminance, a light emitting width, or a change in the luminance or the light emitting width is measured. In the method of fusion splicing, optical fibers are heat-melted with the heating amount that is determined using test fibers in advance, or determined using the optical fibers to be fusion spliced.