Handheld Optical Waveguide Splicer with Integrated Preprocessing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing splicers for optical waveguides are cumbersome and require a fixed base for operation, making it difficult to perform splicing tasks in restricted spaces such as buried cable junctions or cable masts where access is limited.
Innovation Solution
A handheld splicer apparatus with integrated preprocessing, splicing, and control units that allows for one-handed operation, featuring a preprocessing unit for fiber preparation, a splicing unit for fusion, and a shrinking oven for protecting the splice, all integrated into a compact housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed base splicer is used, then splicing precision and stability are improved, but portability and ease of operation in restricted spaces deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the preprocessing unit, splicing unit, and control unit into a single integrated handheld apparatus. This merging of previously separate components enables the device to be held and operated in one hand while maintaining all necessary splicing functions, thus achieving portability without sacrificing splicing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld splicer performs multiple functions including preprocessing (coating removal, cleaning), splicing, and control within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the apparatus to replace multiple separate tools, maintaining comprehensive splicing capabilities while improving portability and ease of operation in restricted spaces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed base splicer is used, then operational stability is improved, but adaptability to different locations and environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static fixed-base splicer to a dynamic handheld device that can be moved and positioned freely. The apparatus is designed to be held in one hand and operated with the other, enabling adaptation to various locations including buried cable junctions and cable masts where traditional fixed-base splicers cannot be positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design incorporating preprocessing, splicing, and control functions in one handheld device enables operation in diverse environments. The apparatus can be used at any location where fiber splicing is needed, whether in confined underground spaces or elevated mast areas, thus achieving universal adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate units are used for preprocessing and splicing, then functional completeness is improved, but device complexity and space requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the preprocessing unit (with coating removal and cleaning functions), splicing unit, and control unit into a single handheld apparatus. This consolidation maintains all necessary splicing functions while reducing the number of separate components, thereby simplifying the overall system and reducing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld splicer performs preprocessing, splicing, and control functions within a single integrated device. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate units, reducing device complexity and making the system more suitable for portable operation in restricted spaces.
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
Enables efficient and simple splicing of optical waveguide sections at any location, including areas with limited space, by allowing all processing steps to be performed with one hand, eliminating the need for a fixed base and facilitating single-handed operation.
Implementation Method 1
a coating of the optical waveguides is removed by means of the preprocessing unit
Implementation Method 2
the exposed fibers of the optical waveguide sections are cleaned in the preprocessing unit
Implementation Method 3
the alignment of the prepared optical waveguide sections in the splicing unit
Implementation Method 4
the fusing of the optical waveguide sections
Implementation Method 5
the shrinking of a shrink sleeve onto the splicing point
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for splicing of optical waveguide sections is in the form of a handheld splicer. The splicer comprises a preprocessing unit, which may comprise a plurality of processing devices for carrying out removal, cleaning and cutting steps. The optical waveguide sections are clamped in a holding apparatus and are prepared in the preprocessing unit. The holding apparatuses are inserted with the prepared optical waveguide sections into a splicing unit, where they are spliced. The spliced optical waveguide sections can be fed by means of a transfer station to a shrinking oven for shrinking a shrink sleeve on. The preprocessing unit, the splicing unit and the shrinking oven can be controlled by means of one hand of an operator, while the splicer is held with the other hand.