Fusion Splicing Device Clock Failure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fusion splicing apparatuses for optical fibers are expensive and prone to theft due to their complex structure and high precision, requiring a real-time clock to accurately determine the usable period, but abnormalities in the clock can render the device inoperable and make it difficult to lock the splicing function, potentially leading to unauthorized use.
Innovation Solution
A fusion splicing apparatus with a clock unit that outputs current date and time, and a fusion control unit that stops operations when the usable period elapses, and records the number of electric discharges per unit period to determine the remaining period of use, even when the clock is abnormal, allowing for locking of the splicing function after a period close to the usable period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a real-time clock is used to accurately determine the usable period, then the ability to lock the splicing function is improved, but the device becomes more vulnerable to theft and unauthorized use when the clock abnormalities occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the fusion control unit) that mediates between the clock unit and the fusion splicing unit. When clock abnormalities are detected, this intermediary unit switches to an alternative timing method based on electric discharge count, preventing direct vulnerability to theft while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by preparing an alternative timing method (based on electric discharge count) in advance. When clock abnormalities occur, this pre-prepared mechanism activates to maintain the locking function, cushioning against the vulnerability created by clock failures and preventing unauthorized use.
2Reliability
If the splicing function is locked when clock abnormalities are detected, then theft prevention is improved, but operational continuity is worsened due to premature shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the locking mechanism adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically switches between two timing methods (clock-based and electric discharge count-based) depending on the operational state. When clock abnormalities are detected, the system transitions to the alternative method, maintaining operational continuity while still preventing theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the clock unit's status and adjusting the timing method accordingly. The fusion control unit receives feedback about clock abnormalities and responds by switching to the electric discharge count-based method, ensuring both theft prevention and operational continuity through this closed-loop control.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the usable period is extended to accommodate clock failures, then operational continuity is improved, but the effectiveness of theft prevention is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the timing parameter from clock-based time to electric discharge count-based time. This parameter change allows the system to maintain operational continuity during clock failures while still effectively preventing theft, as the alternative timing method maintains the same functional outcome (locking after usable period) without relying on the vulnerable clock.
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 solution effectively sets a usable period for the apparatus, preventing unauthorized use by locking the splicing function when the period elapses, while providing a grace period to avoid premature shutdowns due to clock failures, thus protecting against theft and ensuring operational continuity.
Implementation Method 1
a fusion splicing unit configured to fusion splice optical fibers by electric discharges
Data Source
AI summary
A fusion splicing apparatus includes a fusion splicing unit, a clock unit that outputs a current date and time, and a fusion control unit that controls an operation of the fusion splicing unit and stops the operation of the fusion splicing unit when a remaining period of use known on the basis of the current date and time output from the clock unit and a usable period input from the outside in advance is zero or less. The fusion control unit records information on the number of times of electric discharge per unit period when the clock unit is normal and determines the remaining period of use assuming that the unit period has elapsed when the number of times of electric discharge has reached the number of times of electric discharge per unit period in a case in which an abnormality of the clock unit is detected.