Fusion Splicer Superimposed Core Imaging Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fusion splicers struggle to accurately align and identify the positions of cores in multicore optical fibers during the fusion splicing process, leading to potential misalignment and inefficiencies in the splicing operation.
Innovation Solution
A fusion splicer equipped with a first and second rotation mechanism for optical fibers, a microscope for capturing images of the end surfaces, and a display unit that superimposes the images in a distinguishable manner, allowing for precise identification of core positions and facilitating accurate rotational alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate images of the first and second optical fibers are displayed, then the alignment process becomes complex and time-consuming, but if images are superimposed, then core position identification becomes easier and alignment more accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent superimposes the first image of the first optical fiber core and the second image of the second optical fiber core on a single display screen, allowing operators to visually align the cores by rotating the fibers until the superimposed images coincide. This merging of separate imaging systems into a unified visual interface simplifies the alignment operation while maintaining measurement precision through the underlying separate detection mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If manual alignment methods are used, then the splicing process becomes time-consuming and less accurate, but if automated image processing is implemented, then alignment speed and precision improve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback mechanism where the imaging system continuously captures images of the optical fiber cores, the control unit processes these images to determine alignment status, and the display unit provides real-time visual feedback showing the superimposed images. This closed-loop feedback system enables automated alignment with high precision by allowing the operator or control system to make adjustments based on the displayed alignment status until optimal superposition is achieved.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex alignment procedures are used, then splicing accuracy improves, but the splicing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary imaging and alignment preparation by capturing images of both optical fiber cores before the actual fusion splicing operation. The control unit processes these images in advance to determine the rotational alignment requirements, and the display unit pre-shows the superimposed images to indicate the target alignment position. This preliminary action allows the operator to prepare for the splicing operation with full alignment information, reducing the time required during the actual splicing process while maintaining high accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A fusion splicer according to one embodiment is a fusion splicer that fusion-splices a first end surface of a first optical fiber and a second end surface of a second optical fiber to each other. An axis of the first optical fiber coincides with an axis of the second optical fiber. The fusion splicer includes a first rotation mechanism that rotates the first optical fiber about the axis; a second rotation mechanism that rotates the second optical fiber about the axis; a microscope that captures images of the first end surface and the second end surface; and a display unit that displays a first image of the first end surface captured by the microscope and a second image of the second end surface captured by the microscope in such a manner that the first image is superimposed on the second image in a distinguishable manner.