Optical Connector Cleaning Tool with Constant Take-up Reel
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Solution Overview
Problem
The amount of cleaning element taken up by the take-up reel increases with the outer diameter of the cleaning element, leading to excessive usage with repeated tool operations, as existing optical connector cleaning tools do not effectively manage the take-up amount regardless of the reel's diameter.
Innovation Solution
An optical connector cleaning tool with a take-up reel and an extended part that includes a conversion mechanism converting linear motion into rotary motion, and a friction transmission mechanism to maintain a constant take-up amount, utilizing a constant-amount feeding mechanism and a ratchet mechanism to restrict reverse feeding, ensuring consistent cleaning element usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the outer diameter of the cleaning element on the take-up reel increases, then the cleaning capacity and coverage area are improved, but the amount of cleaning element taken up per rotation increases, leading to excessive usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of take-up reel rotation amount from constant to variable. The control unit adjusts the rotation amount based on the outer diameter of the cleaning element, ensuring that the product of rotation amount and outer diameter remains constant. This allows larger diameter elements to be used for broader coverage while maintaining consistent consumption rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit receives information about the cleaning element's outer diameter and adjusts the take-up reel's rotation accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the cleaning element consumption is maintained at a constant level regardless of the element size used.
2Device complexity
If the take-up reel rotates by a constant amount, then the mechanism is simple and reliable, but the cleaning element usage increases with repeated operations as the reel diameter grows
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit monitors the take-up reel's rotation and adjusts it based on the cleaning element's outer diameter. This feedback mechanism dynamically modifies the rotation amount to compensate for changes in reel diameter, maintaining constant consumption while adding minimal complexity through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static, fixed rotation mechanism to a dynamic, adjustable rotation system. The take-up reel's rotation amount is no longer constant but varies based on operating conditions, specifically the cleaning element diameter, allowing the system to adapt and maintain optimal performance.
3Productivity
If the cleaning element outer diameter increases, then fewer cleaning operations are needed per unit area, but each operation consumes more cleaning element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the rotation parameter of the take-up reel based on the cleaning element's outer diameter. By making the rotation amount variable and inversely proportional to the diameter, the system maintains constant consumption per operation while allowing larger elements to be used for improved cleaning efficiency and reduced operation frequency.
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 solution maintains a constant amount of cleaning element usage even with increased outer diameter, reducing waste and optimizing cleaning operations by controlling the take-up amount through mechanical mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a friction transmission mechanism that transmits rotary force of the rotary motion converted by the conversion mechanism to the take-up reel by friction force between a friction member and a friction surface
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Disclosed is an optical connector cleaning tool including: a tool body; and an extended part that extends from the tool body and that has a head for pressing a cleaning element against an optical connector, the extended part being provided so as to be movable with respect to the tool body. The optical connector is cleaned with the cleaning element by moving the tool body toward the extended part in a state where the cleaning element is pressed against the optical connector with the head. The tool body includes: a take-up reel that, in accordance with the movement of the tool body with respect to the extended part, takes up the cleaning element which has been sent out from the head; and a take-up amount adjustment mechanism that makes constant the take-up amount of the take-up reel per single cleaning operation.