Optical Fiber Fusion Connector Electrode Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The tips of electrodes in optical fiber fusion splicers wear down and oxidize due to repeated electric discharge, leading to a short electrode lifetime.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber fusion splicer design includes electrodes with a larger diameter trunk portion and a conical tip with an apical angle of 60 degrees, along with heat radiation fins to increase heat capacity and efficiently radiate heat, thereby suppressing temperature increase and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are used for repeated electric discharge to splice optical fibers, then the splicing function is achieved, but the electrode tips wear down and oxidize, reducing electrode lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the electrode by increasing its diameter and modifying the trunk portion dimensions. This parameter change increases the heat capacity and thermal mass of the electrode, allowing it to withstand repeated discharge cycles with less temperature fluctuation and reduced oxidization, thereby extending electrode lifetime
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of heat generation during discharge into a beneficial feature by designing the electrode with a larger diameter and optimized trunk portion. The increased thermal mass transforms the previously harmful temperature fluctuations into a stabilizing factor that reduces oxidization rate and extends electrode life
2Duration of action of stationary object
If electrode diameter is increased to reduce temperature increase, then heat capacity increases and electrode lifetime is extended, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-uniform electrode structure with a distinguished trunk portion that has different dimensions than the tip portion. The trunk portion has a larger diameter specifically designed to provide thermal mass, while the tip maintains the necessary geometry for discharge. This localized structural differentiation achieves the thermal management goal without unnecessarily increasing overall device complexity
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 effectively elongates the electrode lifetime by reducing oxidization and wear, as demonstrated by experimental results showing less oxidization and wear on electrodes with the new design compared to traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
heat radiation fins for radiating heat generated by electric discharge
Implementation Method 2
arc discharge generated by supplying electricity to two electrodes having a predetermined gap therebetween so as to fuse and splice the end faces of the optical fibers by its high thermal energy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3(b)
Figure 4(a)~6(b)
AI summary
A device for applying electric discharge to an optical fiber is comprised of a pair of electrodes having the optical fiber interposed between the electrodes and being opposed to each other; a pedestal configured to support the electrodes; a member configured to securely press the electrodes onto the pedestal; and a heat radiation fin provided on the member.