Optical Fiber Bending Device Using Arc Discharge Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for bending optical transmission media, such as optical fibers, often result in scratches or inaccurate shaping due to contact with shaping jigs or self-weight deformation, leading to increased bending loss during light transmission.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that heat and bend optical transmission media in an up-down direction without a shaping jig, using a heating means and bending means to apply force at the bend working area, ensuring precise shaping and minimizing weight-induced deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the optical transmission medium is pressed against a shaping jig to bend it, then the bending shape can be controlled, but scratches such as fine cracks are likely to be formed in the contact portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heating means as an intermediary to heat the optical transmission medium before bending, making it more flexible and less prone to scratches. The heating means allows the medium to be bent without direct contact pressure, thus preventing scratches while maintaining shape control through the heating process itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the optical transmission medium by heating it before bending. This parameter change makes the medium more compliant and easier to bend without forming scratches, as the heating process softens the material structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical transmission medium is heated and bent without a shaping jig, then scratches are rarely formed, but the heated medium may bend by its own weight into a shape different from the desired shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a counterbalancing force through the bending means to offset the gravitational force acting on the heated optical transmission medium. This counterweight mechanism prevents the medium from bending downward due to its own weight while allowing controlled bending in the desired direction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a control system that monitors the bending process and adjusts the bending force in real-time to compensate for weight-induced deformation. This feedback mechanism ensures the medium achieves the desired shape despite gravitational influences
3Manufacturing precision
If the optical transmission medium is pressed against a shaping jig, then the bending shape can be controlled, but the bent portions become easily broken due to scratches
Solution Approach 1:
The heating means serves as an intermediary that enables bending without direct mechanical contact. By heating the medium first, it becomes more flexible and can be bent without forming scratches that would compromise the strength of bent portions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies heating as a preparatory treatment before bending to cushion the medium against mechanical damage. The heating process softens the material structure in advance, preventing scratches and cracks from forming during the bending operation
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 bending loss and improves accuracy by preventing scratches and ensuring the optical transmission media are bent into a desired shape without the influence of self-weight, thereby enhancing the transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heating means for heating a bend working area of an optical transmission medium
Implementation Method 2
a bending means for applying force to the optical transmission medium in a state where the bend working area is heated to bend the optical transmission medium at the bend working area
Data Source
AI summary
An optical transmission medium bend working device that reduces bending loss of an optical transmission medium includes: an arc-discharge electrode that partially and sequentially heats a bend working area of a tape core wire in an up-down direction, the tape core wire extending in the up-down direction with a distal end thereof being located on a lower side, the bend working area being located above the distal end; a core wire holding unit that holds a portion of the tape core wire located above the bend working area; and a bending arm that applies force to the tape core wire in a state where the bend working area is heated to bend the tape core wire at the bend working area.