Fusion Splicer Tension Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fusion splicers often cause disconnection of fusion-spliced optical fibers when the windbreak cover is opened due to sudden release of tension applied to optical fibers with non-circular or large-diameter cables, leading to unintentional movement and disconnection.
Innovation Solution
The method involves holding optical fibers on movable stages, butting their ends, fusion-splicing them, and then loosening the tension applied between the fiber holding parts and the windbreak cover contacts before opening the windbreak cover, allowing the stages to move apart, thus preventing disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the windbreak cover is opened after fusion splicing, then the optical fiber can be removed from the splicer, but the tension applied to the optical fiber is suddenly released causing unintentional movement and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by moving the movable stage to distance it from the fixed stage before opening the windbreak cover. This pre-movement releases the tension applied to the optical fiber during splicing, preventing sudden fiber movement and disconnection when the cover is opened. The tension release occurs before the disruptive action of opening the cover, ensuring connection stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the movable stage is held in position after fusion splicing, then the optical fiber remains under tension for structural stability, but opening the windbreak cover causes sudden tension release and fiber disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The movable stage is moved to distance it from the fixed stage before opening the windbreak cover, releasing tension on the optical fiber in advance. This preliminary tension release prevents the harmful effect of sudden fiber movement when the cover is opened, while maintaining the stability of the already-fused spliced portion.
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 approach effectively prevents disconnection of the fusion-spliced optical fibers by reducing tension and minimizing axial movement when the windbreak cover is opened, resulting in zero incidence of bending and disconnection during the process.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of arc electrodes arranged on the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A splicer and a method for fusion-splicing optical fibers are provided, in which the disconnection of a fusion spliced portion of optical fibers can be prevented when the windbreak cover is opened upon fusion splicing. A method for fusion-splicing optical fibers includes: holding optical fibers on optical fiber holders which are arranged on a pair of movable stages, respectively and covering the holders with a windbreak cover; and butting the optical fibers each other by bringing the pair of movable stages mutually closer; fusion-splicing the butted optical fibers together; and loosening, before opening the windbreak cover 4, the tension applied to optical fibers between the fiber holding parts and positions at which the windbreak cover contacts with the optical fibers.