Optic Fiber Bundle Bending with Paste Cement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for bending optic fiber bundles to transmit light suffer from issues such as loose curling wedges, poor cement bonding, and mechanical stress, which can lead to fiber breakage, especially in medical applications where autoclaving occurs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a bundle of optic fibers with a first and second portion, where the second portion is bent using a paste-like cementing agent that hardens to create a self-supporting, tension-free curvature, eliminating the need for additional support structures and allowing for easier inspection and integration into housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a curling wedge is used to bend the fiber bundle and cemented in place, then the bending shape is maintained, but the wedge may come loose from insufficient bonding strength
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the curling wedge from the system entirely. Instead of using a separate wedge element that requires bonding, the fiber bundle itself is bent into the desired shape and fixed using cement applied directly to the fibers, eliminating the bonding reliability issue between wedge and cement
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber bundle is divided into three portions: a first portion, a second portion to be bent, and a third portion. The cement is applied specifically to the second portion, allowing differential treatment and fixing only where needed, while the first and third portions remain flexible
2Stability of the object's composition
If the curling wedge is removed and cement is applied to fill the gap, then the bending shape is maintained, but the cement bond is poor and adhesion is variable
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber bundle is bent into the desired shape before the cement hardens. This preliminary bending action allows the cement to be applied to already-positioned fibers, ensuring proper alignment and strong bonding, rather than trying to fill gaps after wedge removal
Solution Approach 2:
The cement is applied locally to specific portions of the fiber bundle (the second portion to be bent) rather than uniformly throughout. This localized application ensures cement is placed exactly where needed for maintaining the bend, improving bond strength and adhesion consistency
3Shape
If the fiber bundle is bent while cement is applied, then the bending shape is achieved, but individual fibers experience forced tensions that can cause breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies cement in a paste-like state before the fiber bundle is fully bent into its final curved shape. During the bending process, the paste-like cement allows fibers to slide relative to each other, accommodating the dynamic shape change without creating excessive tension. After bending is complete, the cement hardens to lock in the curved shape
Solution Approach 2:
The cement's physical state is changed from a hard solid to a paste-like consistency during the bending process, allowing it to be more flexible and accommodate fiber movement. This parameter change in cement viscosity enables the fibers to adjust their positions during bending without experiencing forced tensions, and then the cement hardens to maintain the final shape
4Shape
If a complex housing structure with guidance and reception sections is used to bend the fibers, then the bending is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex guidance and reception sections from the housing structure. Instead of building bending capability into the housing geometry, the fiber bundle is bent independently using cement fixation, simplifying the housing to a basic protective enclosure without complex shaping features
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber bundle itself serves the function of maintaining its bent shape through cement fixation, without requiring external guidance structures or reception sections in the housing. The fibers are self-sufficient in maintaining their curved configuration, eliminating the need for complex housing features
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 reduces fiber breakage during bending, ensures stable curvature without tension, and allows for simpler housing designs, while maintaining mechanical strength and autoclave resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the application of a paste-like cementing agent to the fiber bundle and, then, by bending the portion bearing the paste-like cement into the required bent shape. The not-yet-hardened cementing agent allows the individual light-conducting fibers to slide toward one another upon bending
Data Source
AI summary
A light conductor having a bundle of optic fibers to transmit light, and a method for bending the light conductor made up of optic fibers. The light conductor with a bundle of optic fibers to transmit light of a light source, which can be coupled onto a first end portion of the light conductor, to a second end portion of the light conductor, includes a first portion and a curved second portion configured as a connecting portion, where the optic fibers in the second portion are fixed in place with respect to one another, free of tension, by means of a hardened cementing agent, while maintaining the curvature.