Optical Fiber Cutting Device With Dynamic Gripping Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber cutting devices face issues with obtaining a desired cut surface due to inappropriate gripping forces, leading to either excessive force causing deformation or insufficient force resulting in slipping.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber cutting device with grippers that apply a controlled gripping force determined by a minimum non-slip gripping force, measured using a tension sensor and controller, to ensure stable cutting without excessive force or slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large gripping force is applied to the optical fiber, then the optical fiber can be securely held without slipping, but the desired cut surface cannot be obtained due to excessive deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the gripping force parameter during the cutting process. The gripping force is changed from an initial larger value to a smaller value at specific timing moments during the blade's movement, allowing the optical fiber to be securely held initially and then preventing deformation during the critical cutting phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the gripping force time-dependent and variable during the cutting operation. Instead of maintaining a constant gripping force, the system dynamically adjusts the force based on the cutting stage, transitioning from a higher force to a lower force as the blade progresses through the optical fiber.
2Manufacturing precision
If a small gripping force is applied to the optical fiber, then the optical fiber is not deformed, but slipping occurs between the optical fiber and gripper resulting in inappropriate tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through the multi-stage gripping force adjustment that occurs at specific timing moments during the cutting cycle. The gripping force is periodically modified based on the blade's position and the cutting progress, ensuring appropriate tension is maintained throughout the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring the cutting process and adjusting the gripping force accordingly. The controller receives information about the cutting stage and blade position, and uses this feedback to determine when to reduce the gripping force, ensuring optimal conditions are maintained throughout the cutting operation.
3Ease of operation
If gripping force is determined based on operator experience or intuition, then the cutting process can be performed, but variation among workers in cutting work occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the cutting device to automatically determine and adjust the gripping force without relying on operator experience or intuition. The controller autonomously manages the gripping force parameters based on pre-set timing moments and cutting stage information, making the system self-regulating and consistent across different operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical judgment and manual control of gripping force with an automated control system. The controller uses programmed logic and timing information to determine gripping force adjustments, substituting human intuition with automated decision-making based on cutting stage and blade position data.
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 device reliably cuts optical fibers with a consistent gripping force, reducing variation among operators and improving cutting efficiency by determining the gripping force based on the minimum non-slip value, thus preventing excessive deformation and slipping.
Implementation Method 1
a blade 7 positioned between the pair of grippers 10, 20 in the longitudinal direction X, and making a scratch on the glass portion f1 from the optical fiber F
Implementation Method 2
a tension applier A configured to apply tension to the optical fiber F, and a tension measuring sensor 6 configured to measure the tension
Implementation Method 3
a gripping force applier 14 provided in at least one of the pair of grippers 10, 20, the gripping force applier 14 being configured to change a gripping force
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber cutting device includes: a pair of grippers that grip an optical fiber having a glass portion exposed from the optical fiber; a gripping force applier disposed in one or both of the pair of grippers and that generates and changes a gripping force; a tension applier that applies tension to the optical fiber by separating the pair of grippers from each other in a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber; a tension measuring sensor that measures the tension; a controller that controls the gripping force; and a blade disposed between the pair of grippers in the longitudinal direction and that forms a scratch on the glass portion.