Optical Fiber Twist Roller Runout Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber twisting apparatuses face issues with non-uniform force application during the drawing process, leading to line distortion, inconsistent coating, and increased attenuation due to delamination, especially when the contact angle is increased or a large diameter roller is used.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber twisting apparatus with a twist roller and a restle apparatus that maintains an accuracy of the outer circumference within 15 μm or less, preventing line distortion and ensuring consistent coating by accurately measuring and controlling the twist roller's runout, thereby preventing damage and delamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the contact angle is increased or a large diameter optical fiber twisting roller is used to extend the contact length, then the twisting efficiency is improved, but the pressing force becomes non-uniform causing line distortion and inconsistent coating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the twisting roller, specifically setting the diameter to 50mm or less and the contact angle to 15 degrees or less. This parameter optimization ensures uniform pressing force distribution while maintaining adequate twisting efficiency, resolving the contradiction between productivity and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an oscillating mechanism that moves the twisting roller in the axial direction of the optical fiber during the twisting process. This dynamic adjustment allows the roller to maintain optimal contact with the fiber, ensuring uniform pressing force and consistent coating thickness while preventing line distortion.
2Force
If the contact angle is increased or a large diameter roller is used, then the winding force is increased, but the optical fiber moves irregularly over the roller causing line distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the roller diameter to 50mm or less, which provides sufficient winding force through friction while minimizing the lever arm that causes fiber instability. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between needing adequate force and maintaining position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating mechanism dynamically adjusts the roller's position during contact, preventing the fiber from moving irregularly over the roller surface. This dynamic control maintains stable fiber positioning while preserving adequate winding force for effective twisting.
3Productivity
If the optical fiber twisting roller is swung to impart twist, then twisting is achieved, but damage is caused to the coated portion and delamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent limits the contact angle to 15 degrees or less and roller diameter to 50mm or less, which reduces the mechanical stress and friction heat generated during twisting. These parameter changes enable twisting capability while preventing damage to the coated portion and delamination at the glass-coating interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating mechanism distributes the twisting action over time through repeated contact and separation cycles, reducing peak stresses on the coated portion. This dynamic approach achieves necessary twisting while minimizing harmful effects such as coating damage and delamination.
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 solution effectively prevents line distortion and delamination, ensuring consistent coating and reduced attenuation even in low temperature environments, as demonstrated by the results where the accuracy of the twist roller's outer circumference is maintained at 15 μm or less.
Implementation Method 1
The twist that is imparted to the molten portion of the optical fiber preform by this optical fiber twisting apparatus is brought about by friction between the optical fiber twisting roller and the coated portion of the optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber twisting apparatus that prevents line distortion in an optical fiber undergoing a drawing process and provides a consistent coating on a bare optical fiber. This optical fiber twisting apparatus includes a twist roller apparatus that having a twist roller that, by imparting a twist to an optical fiber, imparts a twist to a molten portion of an optical fiber preform positioned on an upstream side of the optical fiber, and a support portion that supports the twist roller. The accuracy of the outer circumference of the twist roller when the twist roller is forming a part of the twist roller apparatus is 15 μm or less.