Glass Rod Constriction Load Control for Optical Fiber Preforms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing glass rod machining methods face issues such as dummy rod fractures, excessive load on apparatus, and structural defects during the constricting process, leading to decreased usage efficiency and accuracy in forming constricted portions for optical fiber production.
Innovation Solution
A glass rod machining method and apparatus that involves heating and softening a portion of the glass rod, with a constriction speed controlled to maintain a constriction load within a predetermined range, preventing excessive tensile force and ensuring accurate formation of a constricted shape without curving or drooping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the constriction speed is increased to improve productivity, then the manufacturing time is reduced, but the constriction load exceeds the predetermined range causing dummy rod fractures and structural defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the constriction speed variable rather than constant. The control unit dynamically adjusts the constriction speed based on real-time feedback from the load detection unit, ensuring the constriction load remains within the predetermined safe range while optimizing the overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the load detection unit continuously monitors the constriction load and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the constriction speed accordingly to maintain the load within the predetermined range, preventing dummy rod fractures while maintaining efficient processing.
2Loss of time
If the constriction load is increased to achieve faster constricting, then the processing time is reduced, but excessive tensile force causes dummy rod fractures and apparatus overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the constriction load dynamic by continuously monitoring it with the load detection unit and adjusting the constriction speed in real-time. This allows the system to operate at optimal load levels that minimize processing time while staying below the threshold that causes dummy rod fractures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a predetermined safe load range before the constricting process begins. By setting this threshold in advance and using the load detection unit to monitor against it, the system prevents excessive tensile force from developing, cushioning against potential dummy rod fractures before they occur.
3Productivity
If the constriction speed is increased to improve efficiency, then the manufacturing efficiency is enhanced, but structural defects appear in the constricted portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback control where the load detection unit monitors the constriction load and the control unit adjusts the constriction speed to maintain it within the predetermined range. This ensures the constricted portion is formed with consistent quality and no structural defects, while still maintaining high manufacturing efficiency through optimized speed control.
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
The method and apparatus effectively prevent mechanical damage and ensure high precision in forming constricted portions by maintaining a stable constriction load, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of glass rod machining for optical fiber preform production.
Implementation Method 1
heating a portion of the glass rod to a temperature for constricting
Implementation Method 2
a portion of the glass rod is softened by heating the portion of the glass rod
Implementation Method 3
a constriction load acting as a tensile force on the glass rod
Data Source
AI summary
To prevent constriction machining from reducing usage efficiency of a glass rod, provided is a glass rod machining method including softening of softening a portion of the glass rod by heating the portion of the glass rod, and constricting of forming a constricted shape in the glass rod by moving one end of the glass rod relative to the other end of the glass rod at a constriction speed satisfying a condition that a constriction load acting as a tensile force on the glass rod does not extend beyond a predetermined range. In this method, the constricting includes, when constriction speed increases, making an adjustment to decrease a heating temperature of the glass rod. This method may include determining of determining the heating temperature of the glass rod during the constricting by referencing a heating temperature table in which heating temperatures corresponding to the constriction speed are stored in advance.