Fusion Splicer Eccentric Cam Mechanism for Fiber Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fusion splicers lack flexibility in aligning optical fibers of varying thicknesses, requiring improved mechanisms for precise and adjustable alignment during the fusion splicing process.
Innovation Solution
The fusion splicer employs a dual eccentric cam unit mechanism with rotating electric motors and gears, allowing for precise movement of optical fibers in orthogonal directions, enabling flexible adjustment of the alignment process through adjustable eccentric cam units and arm structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fusion splicer uses a conventional linear motion guide mechanism for aligning optical fibers, then the structure is simple, but the flexibility in designing the moving amount of optical fibers is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the conventional linear motion guide with a mechanism using rotating members and eccentric cam units. The rotating members can rotate around axes parallel to the gear rotational axes, and the eccentric cam units convert rotational motion into controlled linear displacement. This dynamic mechanism provides flexible adjustment of moving amounts for optical fibers with different thicknesses, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of standard mechanical components like gears and rotating electric motors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fusion splicer uses a mechanism with high flexibility for aligning optical fibers of different thicknesses, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a mechanism where rotating members with eccentric cam units can handle optical fibers of various thicknesses through a single unified structure. The first and second rotating members, each with their own eccentric cam units, work together to provide adjustable alignment for different fiber types. This multi-functional design allows the same mechanism to adapt to different fiber diameters without requiring separate alignment systems, thereby improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a fusion splicer uses conventional alignment mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision for aligning optical fibers of varying thicknesses is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing conventional linear motion guides with a rotational mechanism driven by rotating electric motors. The motors drive gears that rotate, and the eccentric cam units on the rotating members convert this rotational motion into precise linear displacement for fiber alignment. This substitution of the mechanical drive system enables higher alignment precision for optical fibers of varying thicknesses while maintaining reasonable device complexity through the use of standard motor-gear-cam components.
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 design enhances the flexibility and precision of optical fiber alignment, accommodating different fiber diameters and improving the efficiency and accuracy of the fusion splicing process, while reducing costs and component complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first gear (62a) that includes a first eccentric cam unit (62ad) and rotates when driven to rotate by the first rotating electric motor (61a)
Implementation Method 2
a first rotating electric motor (61a) being a first rotating electric motor
Implementation Method 3
the tip ends of the two optical fibers are fusion spliced by using arc discharge
Data Source
AI summary
A fusion splicer includes: a first gear including a first eccentric cam unit; a first rotating member including a first main body having a first abutting surface abutting on the first eccentric cam unit, a first arm unit extending from the first main body and rotatably supported by a main base, and a second arm unit extending from the first main body; a second gear including a second eccentric cam unit; and a second rotating member including a second main body having a second abutting surface abutting on the second eccentric cam unit, a third arm unit extending from the second main body and rotatably supported by the second arm unit, a fourth arm unit extending from the second main body, and a placing unit at a tip end of the fourth arm unit with a groove for receiving one of optical fibers.