Optical Fiber Base Material Drawing Surface Smoothness
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for manufacturing wire-drawing optical fiber base materials often result in surface roughening due to the re-adhesion of Si compound fine particles, which can lead to contamination and deterioration of the optical fiber's strength and consistency.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method and apparatus that involves heating the optical fiber base material and using a flow-regulating member to inhibit the formation of a gas flow containing Si compounds along the surface of the material, thereby preventing surface roughening and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the optical fiber base material is heated to form the drawing shape portion, then the material softens and can be shaped, but Si compound fine particles are generated and re-adhere to the surface, causing roughening
Solution Approach 1:
A gas flow is introduced as an intermediary medium between the heated optical fiber base material and the surrounding environment. This gas flow carries away Si compound fine particles before they can re-adhere to the material surface, thus preventing surface roughening while allowing the shaping process to continue
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a gas flow (pneumatic approach) to remove harmful particles from the surface of the heated material. The gas flow is directed along the surface of the optical fiber base material to sweep away Si compound fine particles, maintaining surface smoothness during the thermal shaping process
2Ease of manufacture
If the optical fiber base material is heated, then it softens for drawing, but Si compound fine particles are generated that can contaminate the material
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow serves as a protective intermediary that prevents Si compound fine particles from contacting and contaminating the optical fiber base material surface during the heating and drawing process
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful Si compound fine particles are extracted from the vicinity of the optical fiber base material by the gas flow, which carries them away from the material surface and directs them toward the exhaust or collection 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 method effectively prevents the adhesion of Si compound fine particles on the surface of the optical fiber base material, maintaining its smoothness and reducing the risk of contamination, which in turn improves the strength and consistency of the optical fibers produced.
Implementation Method 1
heating an optical fiber base material by a heater
Implementation Method 2
forming, by a flow-regulating member disposed adjacent to the heater, a gas flow such that formation, along a surface of the optical fiber base material, of a flow of a gas containing a Si compound generated from the optical fiber base material heated by the heater is inhibited
Data Source
AI summary
A wire-drawing optical fiber base material manufacturing method of heating an optical fiber base material by a heater and forming a drawing shape portion at an end portion. The manufacturing method includes: forming, by a flow-regulating member disposed adjacent to the heater, a gas flow such that formation, along a surface of the optical fiber base material, of a flow of a gas containing a Si compound generated from the optical fiber base material heated by the heater is inhibited; and forming, while maintaining the gas flow, the drawing shape portion by pulling part of the optical fiber base material softened by being heated by the heater.