Optical Fiber Dual UV Curing Process Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process of optical fibers using specific resin compositions is often complicated and requires specialized materials, making it challenging to improve fiber strength effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a first and second ultraviolet ray curable resin composition, followed by two distinct UV curing steps: a high-intensity initial curing and a subsequent low-intensity, extended UV irradiation, enhances the strength of the optical fiber without relying on specific resin compositions, allowing for improved productivity and strength enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a specific resin composition is used to improve fiber strength, then the strength of the optical fiber is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated and requires specialized materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of UV irradiation by introducing a second irradiation step with lower illuminance (≤1/10 of the first step) and longer irradiation time (≥10 times the first step). This parameter change enables strength enhancement without requiring specific resin compositions, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining fiber strength improvement.
2Strength
If a specific resin composition is used to enhance fiber strength, then the strength of the optical fiber is improved, but the ease of manufacture is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the UV curing process universal by eliminating the requirement for specific resin compositions. The dual irradiation process can be applied to general UV curable resin compositions, making the manufacturing process more versatile and easier to implement without relying on specialized materials.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single UV curing step is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the strength enhancement of the optical fiber is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the UV curing process into two distinct steps: a first irradiation step with high illuminance for initial curing, and a second irradiation step with low illuminance for extended curing and strength enhancement. This segmentation allows the process to maintain simplicity while achieving superior fiber strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the useful action of UV irradiation by adding a second irradiation step that continues the curing process. The second step uses lower illuminance for a longer duration (≥10 times the first step), ensuring complete curing and maximum strength enhancement without interrupting the manufacturing flow.
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 method effectively increases the strength of optical fibers by utilizing a dual UV curing process, achieving strength improvements without the need for specific resin compositions and simplifying the manufacturing process, while maintaining productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a coating step of forming a first layer by applying a first ultraviolet ray curable resin composition onto the glass fiber, and then, of forming a second layer by applying a second ultraviolet ray curable resin composition onto the first layer; a first irradiation step of curing the first layer and the second layer by irradiating the first layer and the second layer with an ultraviolet ray
Implementation Method 2
a second irradiation step of irradiating the optical fiber with an ultraviolet ray at an illuminance of less than or equal to one tenth of an illuminance in the first irradiation step for an irradiation time of longer than or equal to 10 times an irradiation time in the first irradiation step
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing an optical fiber includes: a coating step of forming a first layer by applying a first ultraviolet ray curable resin composition onto a glass fiber, and then, of forming a second layer by applying a second ultraviolet ray curable resin composition onto the first layer; a first irradiation step of curing the first layer and the second layer by irradiating the first layer and the second layer with an ultraviolet ray, and of obtaining the optical fiber including a primary resin layer and a secondary resin layer; and a second irradiation step of irradiating the optical fiber with an ultraviolet ray at an illuminance of less than or equal to one tenth of an illuminance in the first irradiation step for an irradiation time of longer than or equal to 10 times an irradiation time in the first irradiation step.