Optical Fiber Unit Winding with Oscillating Rotating Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing optical fiber units face challenges in efficiently joining bundling members with reversed winding directions, leading to increased time and effort during mid-span branching and potential fiber breakage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the oscillation of a rotating member to form intersection points between bundling members on the outer circumference of an optical fiber bundle, followed by fusion-bonding these points using a heating unit, allowing for the reversal of winding directions and improved joining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bundling members are wound helically and joined at intersection points, then the optical fiber bundle is securely bundled, but mid-span branching requires disengaging joined sections which increases time and effort and may cause fiber breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The bundling members are designed with distinguishable sections (different colors or patterns) that can be independently identified and manipulated. This segmentation allows workers to locate and work with specific sections without having to disengage the entire bundled structure, facilitating mid-span branching operations while maintaining overall bundle integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces distinguishable sections as intermediary elements between the bundling members and the optical fibers. These sections serve as access points or mediators that enable fiber extraction without requiring disengagement of the joined bundling member sections, thus maintaining bundle strength while improving operational ease.
2Ease of operation
If two bundling members are wound in S-Z configuration, then workability during fiber extraction is improved, but it is difficult to join the bundling members at sections where winding directions are reversed while increasing line speed
Solution Approach 1:
The bundling members are pre-formed with distinguishable sections and predetermined winding patterns before the joining process. This preliminary preparation allows the joining mechanism to simply align and bond corresponding sections without requiring complex real-time adjustments for reversed winding directions, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the bundling members by introducing distinguishable sections with different physical or visual characteristics. This parameter change allows the joining process to identify and connect corresponding sections regardless of winding direction reversals, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining S-Z configuration benefits for fiber extraction workability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If bundling members are joined at intersection points, then the optical fiber bundle is securely held, but the joining process increases production time and reduces line speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical joining mechanisms with a simpler bonding approach. Instead of requiring precise mechanical interlocking at multiple intersection points, the bundling members are bonded using adhesive or fusion methods that can be applied more rapidly, maintaining bundle stability while increasing production line speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The joining mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it identifies intersection points, aligns bundling members, and executes the joining action in a single integrated process. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate operations required, thereby maintaining bundle stability while increasing overall production efficiency and line 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
Facilitates the joining of bundling members with reversed winding directions, reducing the time and effort required for optical fiber extraction and enhancing the line speed during production.
Implementation Method 1
fusion-bonding the bundling members at their intersection points by passing the optical fiber bundle and the bundling members through a heating unit
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing an optical fiber unit by winding at least two bundling members on the outer circumference of an optical fiber bundle formed by bundling a plurality of optical fibers, including: feeding the optical fiber bundle from a fiber passage member; feeding the bundling members while forming intersection points between two of the bundling members on the outer circumference of the optical fiber bundle by feeding at least one of the bundling members from a bundling member passage part of a rotating member arranged to the outer circumference of the fiber passage member, while causing the rotating member to oscillate, with the feeding direction serving as the axis; and fusion-bonding the bundling members at their intersection points.