Laser Stripping of Fiber Optic Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical fiber optic cable stripping tools are prone to damaging the underlying optical fibers and require multiple cuts, leading to errors and increased scrap rates, especially when stripping longer lengths like 2 meters, as the damage is not always visible and relies heavily on the skill of the operator.
Innovation Solution
The use of laser-based methods to strip fiber optic cables by directing a focused laser beam along the central axis of the cable to form a groove in the protective cover without reaching the optical fibers, allowing for the removal of the protective cover in a single, intact section, reducing the risk of damage and eliminating the need for multiple cuts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical stripping tools are used to remove the protective cover, then the stripping process can be performed, but the risk of damaging the underlying optical fibers increases and multiple cuts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stripping tools with a laser-based system. The laser beam melts and removes the protective cover material through thermal ablation rather than mechanical cutting. This substitution eliminates the physical contact that causes fiber damage while maintaining efficient stripping capability, directly resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the protective cover material by applying laser energy. The laser heats the material to its melting point, changing it from solid to liquid state, which then flows away or can be easily removed. This parameter change (temperature increase) enables clean separation without mechanical stress on the fibers.
2Length of moving object
If multiple circumferential cuts are made to strip longer cable sections, then the required strip length can be achieved, but the risk of error and damage multiplies
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system can continuously track along the cable length and remove the protective cover in a single continuous operation without requiring multiple discrete cuts. This eliminates the compounding accuracy requirements of multiple cuts while achieving the same or greater strip lengths, resolving the contradiction between length and precision.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical stripping tools are used, then the protective cover can be removed, but operator skill and experience are heavily relied upon to avoid damage
Solution Approach 1:
The automated laser system replaces manual mechanical tools with a controlled optical system. The laser parameters (power, speed, focal position) can be automatically controlled by a computer system, eliminating the need for operator skill in judging cutting depth and angle. This automation maintains reliability while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam acts as an intermediary between the control system and the protective cover material. It provides precise, contactless energy transfer that can be exactly controlled by adjusting laser parameters, removing the need for operator judgment and skill while maintaining high reliability.
4Ease of manufacture
If a razor blade stripping tool is used, then the protective cover can be cut, but frequent adjustment and replacement are required
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system replaces the mechanical razor blade with an optical tool that has no wear parts. The laser beam is generated electronically and can be precisely controlled without physical contact with the workpiece. This eliminates blade wear, dulling, and the need for frequent replacement or adjustment, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and consistent performance.
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 allows for efficient stripping of longer cable lengths without damaging the optical fibers, reduces operator dependency, and minimizes scrap rates by precisely removing the protective cover without exposing the underlying fibers, thus enhancing the reliability and speed of the process.
Implementation Method 1
directing a focused laser beam onto the cable's protective cover and moving the fiber optic cable relative to the focused laser beam in a direction substantially along the central axis to form a substantially axially oriented groove in the protective cover
Data Source
AI summary
Laser-based methods of stripping different types of fiber optic cables (100) are disclosed. The method includes directing a focused laser beam (202) onto the cable's protective cover (114). The method also includes moving the fiber optic cable relative to the focused laser beam in a direction substantially along a central axis (AC) to form a substantially axially oriented groove (250) in the protective cover, wherein the groove does not reach one or more optical fibers (110) carried by the cable. The method can further include opening the protective cover at the groove to form a split protective cover portion (114S), and removing the split protective cover portion from the fiber optic cable. Methods of stripping a cable by forming two grooves in the protective cover using two focused laser beams are also disclosed.