Automatic Fiber Stripping System with Heating and Dual Belt Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual stripping of the outer coating layer from optical cables is inefficient and prone to damaging the fibers, affecting the optical performance of the fibers.
Innovation Solution
An automatic fiber stripping system comprising two stripping modules with belts and heating devices that cut notches in the outer coating layer and strip it off, using driven belt wheels to move the belts relative to the optical cable, while heating devices soften the coating for easier removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual stripping method is used, then operation flexibility is maintained, but stripping efficiency is low and fiber damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stripping system is divided into two independent stripping modules, each equipped with its own stripping belt and driving mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high stripping efficiency through automated operation while maintaining manageable complexity by using modular, repeatable units that can be independently controlled and maintained.
2Reliability
If manual stripping is performed, then equipment cost is low, but fiber damage risk increases due to operator error
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device changes the physical state of the outer coating layer by heating it to a softening temperature, making the coating more pliable and easier to strip without damaging the underlying fiber. This parameter change (temperature increase) ensures reliable fiber integrity by preventing mechanical stress concentration that would occur with cold, rigid coating material.
Solution Approach 2:
The stripping belt acts as an intermediary between the cutting tool and the fiber. After a notch is cut in the outer coating layer, the stripping belt gradually removes the coating material through controlled friction and tension, preventing direct mechanical contact that could damage the fiber while maintaining reliable stripping action.
3Productivity
If automated stripping is implemented, then stripping efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each stripping module is designed as a universal unit that can strip different types of optical cables with varying outer coating properties. The modules use adjustable heating parameters and controllable belt tension/speed, allowing the same manufactured system to handle multiple cable types without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
4Ease of operation
If heating is applied to soften coating, then stripping ease improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating device applies heat to the outer coating layer before the stripping belt engages to remove the coating. This preliminary action softens the coating material, making it much easier to strip with minimal mechanical force required. By performing the heating action beforehand, the system achieves easy stripping operation while minimizing energy consumption during the actual stripping process, as the bulk of the energy is used in the brief pre-heating phase rather than during continuous mechanical stripping.
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 system efficiently strips the outer coating layer without damaging the fibers, improving the optical performance by automating the process and ensuring precise control over the stripping mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The heating device heats and softens the outer coating layer of the optical cable
Implementation Method 2
The stripping belts are driven to move relative to the optical cable by the driving belt wheels so as to strip off a segment of the outer coating layer from the notch
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic fiber stripping system comprises a first stripping module, a second stripping module, and a heating device. The first stripping module and the second stripping module each have a stripping belt, a driven belt wheel, a driving belt wheel, and a stripping tool including a pressing portion. The stripping belts are tightened on the pressing portions and the stripping tools press the stripping belts on each of two opposite sides of an optical cable. A blade portion of one of the stripping tools cuts a notch in at least one of two side edges of an outer coating layer of the optical cable. The heating device heats and softens the outer coating layer of the optical cable. The stripping belts are driven to move relative to the optical cable by the driving belt wheels so as to strip off a segment of the outer coating layer from the notch.