Optical Fiber Direction Changer with Pneumatic Floatation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for manufacturing optical fibers face challenges in relaxing the accuracy requirements for positioning the direction changer apparatus, as the bare optical fiber is prone to damage when in contact with the inner surface of the guide groove, necessitating precise positioning and a narrow gap to maintain fiber strength, which is difficult to achieve.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using a direction changer with a guide groove and blowout ports that create a pressure difference to float the bare optical fiber, with varying flow rates and port widths in the inlet and outlet wire portions compared to the intermediate portion, increasing the flow rate in these areas to enhance flotation and correct path line shifts, thereby relaxing the positioning accuracy requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the bare optical fiber is floated by maintaining a narrow gap between the fiber and the inner surface of the groove, then the fiber strength is maintained, but the positioning accuracy requirement becomes extremely high (micrometer order)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebare optical fiber strengthVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of direction changer

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different flow rates in different regions of the guide groove. The inlet wire portion and outlet wire portion have higher flow rates compared to the intermediate portion, generating localized upward forces that actively float the bare optical fiber at the critical entry and exit points where positioning accuracy is most challenging. This regional differentiation in fluid flow characteristics allows the system to maintain fiber strength without requiring uniform high positioning accuracy throughout the entire groove.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes pneumatic principles by introducing gas through blowout ports formed along the guide groove. The gas flow creates pressure differences that generate upward forces to float the bare optical fiber, preventing contact with the groove's inner surface. This pneumatic flotation mechanism eliminates the need for mechanical precision positioning, as the fiber is suspended by gas pressure rather than relying on precise mechanical alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If the positioning accuracy is relaxed to ease operation, then the ease of operation improves, but the bare optical fiber may contact the groove surface causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of disposing direction changerVSAvoidfiber damage from contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pneumatic flotation through gas flow from blowout ports to suspend the bare optical fiber above the groove surface. This creates a protective gas cushion that prevents direct contact between the fiber and groove, eliminating the harmful effect of contact damage. Consequently, the positioning accuracy requirements are relaxed, significantly improving the ease of operating and disposing the direction changer apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by establishing a gas flow field in advance within the guide groove. The gas flow acts as a protective cushion before any potential contact can occur, preventing the bare optical fiber from touching the groove surface. This pre-established protective mechanism ensures fiber integrity even when positioning accuracy is not extremely high.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 allows for a significant reduction in the required positioning accuracy from micrometer levels to several hundred micrometers, making the operation easier and preventing fiber damage, while maintaining sufficient yield and reducing operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

a blowout port of a fluid which floats the bare optical fiber wired along the guide groove is formed along the guide groove in the guide groove

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the direction changer includes a guide groove which guides the bare optical fiber, a blowout port for a fluid which floats the bare optical fiber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS10150690B2Apparatus for manufacturing an optical fiber

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 FUJIKURA LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for manufacturing an optical fiber, including a drawing portion, a coating portion, and a curing portion; wherein a direction changer which changes a direction of the bare optical fiber is disposed in any position from the drawing portion to the coating portion, the direction changer includes a guide groove which guides the bare optical fiber, a blowout port of a fluid which floats the bare optical fiber wired along the guide groove is formed along the guide groove in the guide groove, and an average flow rate or a highest flow rate of the fluid in an inlet wire portion of the bare optical fiber to the guide groove, and an outlet wire portion from the guide groove is faster than a lowest flow rate of the fluid in an intermediate portion between the inlet wire portion and the outlet wire portion in the blowout port.