Multi-functional Splicing Clamp for Optical Fiber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber splicing technologies lack a clamp that can simultaneously accommodate optical fibers with significant diameter differences, leading to inconvenient operations and low efficiencies due to the need for frequent clamp replacements and precise handling to avoid fiber damage during splicing processes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional splicing clamp with a clamp body and cover, featuring a pivotally connected design, elastic abutment structure, and magnetic connection, which includes a fiber-carrying pad, abutment pad, and spring mechanism to securely hold fibers of varying diameters, allowing direct installation in a fusion splicer and reducing the complexity of fiber handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different clamps are used to match different diameter optical fibers, then the adaptability to different fiber types is improved, but the device complexity and operation convenience deteriorate due to frequent clamp replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types of optical fibers with different diameters (80um, 250um, 900um, 2.5mm, jumper wires, and rubber-insulated cables) using a single clamp design. The clamp body includes a fiber-carrying pad with multiple grooves of different depths and an abutment structure with adjustable abutment pads, allowing one clamp to perform the function of multiple specialized clamps, thereby eliminating the need for frequent clamp replacements and improving operation convenience.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different clamps are used to match different diameter optical fibers, then the adaptability to different fiber types is improved, but the device complexity increases due to managing multiple clamp types
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp integrates multiple functional elements into a single device: the clamp body with fiber-carrying pad featuring grooves of different depths, the abutment structure with adjustable abutment pads connected by elastic bodies, and the magnetic connection mechanism. This universal design consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate clamp types, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability to various fiber diameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is segmented into functional modules: the clamp body, clamp cover body, fiber-carrying pad with multiple grooves, abutment structure with adjustable abutment pads, and magnetic connection components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, enabling the single clamp to handle multiple fiber types without increasing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If optical fibers are repeatedly removed and installed during splicing process, then the splicing operation is completed, but the fiber damage risk increases and time efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is pre-installed in the fusion splicer before the fiber splicing operation begins. The fiber is placed on the clamp after cutting, and the clamp is already in position to securely hold it. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for repeated removal and installation of the fiber-clamp assembly during the splicing process, reducing fiber damage risk and improving splicing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design merges the fiber-holding function with the splicing platform function. The clamp body with fiber-carrying pad and abutment structure is integrated into the fusion splicer, allowing the fiber to be held securely in the exact position needed for splicing without requiring separate installation steps. This merging of functions reduces handling operations and protects fiber integrity.
4Ease of operation
If a single clamp design is used for all fiber types, then the operation convenience is improved, but the manufacturing precision required increases to accommodate all diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber-carrying pad is segmented with multiple grooves of different depths (first groove, second groove, third groove) to accommodate different fiber diameters. The abutment structure is segmented with multiple abutment pads (first abutment pad, second abutment pad, third abutment pad) that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the single clamp to precisely accommodate various fiber sizes through selective use of different grooves and abutment pads, maintaining manufacturing feasibility while improving operation convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment pads are connected to the clamp cover body through elastic bodies (springs), making the abutment structure dynamic and adjustable. The elastic bodies allow the abutment pads to move and adapt to different fiber diameters automatically, reducing the need for precise fixed-position manufacturing while maintaining secure contact with various fiber sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability balances manufacturing precision requirements with operational versatility.
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 splicing of different optical fibers without clamp replacement, simplifying operations, reducing fiber damage, and enhancing splicing efficiency by securely holding fibers of varying diameters and allowing direct splicing after cutting.
Implementation Method 1
said abutment structure includes an abutment pad, which is connected to the clamp cover body via an elastic body
Implementation Method 2
said elastic body includes a spring, one end of which is connected to said limiter body and the other end is connected to said clamp cover body
Implementation Method 3
said clamp cover body and said clamp body may be connected magnetically; said clamp cover body is a magnetizer, and said clamp body is provided with several magnetic bodies which could match with said magnetizer
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional splicing clamp for use in a fiber splicing device includes a clamp body and a clamp cover body, wherein one side of said clamp body is pivotally connected to the clamp cover body. The clamp body is provided with a fiber-carrying pad, and the clamp cover body is provided with an abutment structure that can abut said fiber-carrying pad.