Optical Fiber Cooling Device Using Segmented Pneumatic Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing the draw rate of optical fibers in manufacturing processes leads to higher temperatures and decreased quality due to reduced cooling time, necessitating improved cooling methods within optical fiber draw towers.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device with multiple bodies and air outlets directing air at velocities of 20 m/s to 350 m/s to contact the optical fiber, facilitating efficient heat dissipation and maintaining desired fiber properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the draw rate of optical fiber is increased to meet consumer demand, then productivity is improved, but the temperature of the optical fiber increases and quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is divided into multiple bodies (first body, second body, third body, etc.) arranged along the fiber conveyance pathway. Each body contains air outlets that direct cooling air at specific locations, segmenting the cooling function across multiple zones to handle the high draw rate effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic cooling by directing air flows from air outlets in each body to contact the optical fiber. The air flow velocities are controlled (first air flow: 20-350 m/s, second air flow: 50-200 m/s) to achieve effective heat dissipation without compromising fiber quality
2Productivity
If the draw rate is increased to increase production, then productivity is improved, but cooling time is reduced leading to decreased quality
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bodies with air outlets are arranged continuously along the fiber conveyance pathway, providing continuous cooling action throughout the drawing process. This ensures that cooling occurs at multiple stages simultaneously, maintaining adequate cooling time even at high draw rates
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling air is directed to contact the optical fiber before it completes the drawing process, performing the cooling action in advance. The first air flow (20-350 m/s) is directed at the fiber during the drawing process to pre-cool it, preventing temperature buildup
3Device complexity
If conventional cooling methods are used, then device complexity is low, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient at high draw rates
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is segmented into multiple bodies (first body, second body, third body) with respective air outlets, distributing the cooling function across multiple components. This segmented approach improves reliability by providing multiple cooling zones while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Different air flow velocities are applied at different locations along the fiber pathway. The first air flow (20-350 m/s) is directed at the fiber during drawing, while the second air flow (50-200 m/s) is directed at the fiber after drawing. This localized optimization of cooling parameters improves reliability without requiring uniform complexity throughout the entire cooling system
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 cooling device effectively reduces the optical fiber's temperature, enhancing its quality by maintaining a lower temperature than the inlet temperature, thus addressing the challenge of increased draw rates and fiber attenuation.
Implementation Method 1
one or more air outlets (208) within the body configured to direct air to contact the optical fiber as it passes through the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling device system for cooling optical fiber includes a plurality of bodies (202), each body having a top surface (210) and an opposing bottom surface (212); an opening (204) within each of the plurality of bodies extending from the top surface through the body to the bottom surface, wherein the opening is configured to pass an optical fiber (10) through the body; and one or more air outlets (208) within the body configured to direct air to contact the optical fiber as it passes through the opening, wherein the air flowing out of the one or more openings has an average velocity of about 20 m/s to about 350 m/s.