Optical Fiber Direction Changer Floatation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing optical fibers face limitations in productivity due to system height constraints, and the use of direction changing devices with noncontact retention mechanisms can lead to insufficient flotation of bare optical fibers, causing them to contact the inner surfaces of the devices and potentially damage the fibers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a direction changer with a guide groove and outlet nozzle to float the bare optical fiber, allowing for accurate control of its direction and temperature by adjusting the path length based on measurements of the outer diameter, drawing velocity, or temperature, thereby preventing contact with the device's inner surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas pressure is used to retain the bare optical fiber in the direction changing device, then the fiber can be floated and directed, but the amount of flotation may be insufficient causing the fiber to contact the inner surface
Solution Approach 1:
A buffer member is introduced as an intermediary element between the bare optical fiber and the inner surface of the guide groove. This buffer member contacts the fiber first when flotation is insufficient, preventing direct contact between the fiber and the groove surface, thereby eliminating fiber damage while maintaining the gas pressure retention mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer member provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned to receive the bare optical fiber before it can contact the inner surface. This protective measure is prepared in advance, so when flotation becomes insufficient, the buffer member absorbs the impact and prevents fiber damage
2Productivity
If the system height is increased to improve productivity, then more cooling distance is available, but new facilities must be constructed at huge cost
Solution Approach 1:
The direction changing device changes the vertical downward drawing path into a horizontal or angled path, utilizing spatial reconfiguration rather than simply increasing vertical height. This dimensional transformation allows the fiber to traverse a longer path for cooling without requiring proportional increases in system height, avoiding expensive facility expansions
3Manufacturing precision
If the bare optical fiber path length is not adjusted, then the coating outer diameter varies, but adjusting the path length requires precise control of the direction changer position
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback control system is implemented where the actual position of the direction changer is continuously measured and compared with the target position. The control unit adjusts the position based on this feedback, ensuring precise control of the bare optical fiber path length and consequently maintaining consistent coated layer outer diameter despite variations in drawing conditions
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 ensures sufficient flotation and accurate temperature control of the bare optical fiber, maintaining the outer diameter of the coated layer within a constant range and preventing damage from contact with the device's inner surface, thus enhancing productivity and fiber quality.
Implementation Method 1
a direction changer that is provided with this mechanism can change the direction, in which a bare optical fiber (bare fiber) is drawn, without being in contact with the bare optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
it is possible to control the temperature of the bare optical fiber by use of the gas
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing an optical fiber of the invention includes: preparing a direction changer; drawing a bare optical fiber from an optical fiber preform, thereby forming the bare optical fiber; providing a coated layer made of a resin on a periphery of the bare optical fiber; obtaining an optical fiber by curing the coated layer; changing a direction of the bare optical fiber by use of the direction changer; measuring a drawing velocity of the optical fiber; and adjusting a length of the bare optical fiber from a drawing unit to a coating unit by controlling a position of the direction changer based on a measurement value of the drawing velocity, the drawing unit forming the bare optical fiber, the coating unit providing the coated layer on the periphery of the bare optical fiber.