Optical Fiber Drawing With Real-Time Hole Diameter Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the hole diameter of optical fibers during manufacturing face challenges in achieving high accuracy due to deviations and vibrations, leading to unclear images and inability to continuously measure the diameter in real time.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that includes capturing images of the optical fiber, taking countermeasures to maintain image clarity, such as focusing on the fiber's position, applying a protective coating, and irradiating with illumination for a predetermined period, to ensure accurate measurement of hole diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the optical fiber is drawn continuously during manufacturing, then productivity is improved, but the optical fiber deviates and vibrates causing unclear images that prevent accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic image capturing that adapts to the moving optical fiber. The system captures images at multiple positions along the fiber length and selects or combines images based on clarity criteria, allowing accurate measurement while the fiber continues to be drawn at high speed without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where images are captured, evaluated for clarity, and used to determine whether measurement can proceed. When images are unclear due to deviation or vibration, the system detects this and takes corrective actions (such as pausing or adjusting capture parameters) to ensure measurement accuracy before continuing production.
2Manufacturing precision
If gas pressure is increased to maintain hole diameter, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the system cannot respond in real-time due to measurement delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs image capturing and clarity evaluation in advance during the continuous drawing process. By preparing and validating images before final measurement and control decisions are made, the system reduces the overall response time and enables faster gas pressure adjustments to maintain hole diameter precision.
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
Enables continuous and direct measurement of hole diameters with high accuracy, allowing real-time adjustment of gas pressure to maintain the diameter within a target range, thereby improving the yield and quality of optical fiber production.
Implementation Method 1
capturing an image of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
a pressure of the gas introduced into the through hole is determined
Implementation Method 3
controlling a pressure of the gas introduced into the through hole
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing an optical fiber with a hole from a preform having a through hole is disclosed. The manufacturing method includes placing a preform in a drawing furnace, forming an optical fiber by melting and drawing the preform in the drawing furnace while a gas is introduced into the through hole, capturing an image of the optical fiber drawn from the preform, and measuring a hole diameter of the optical fiber based on an image captured in the capturing of the image and controlling a pressure of the gas introduced into the through hole based on a measurement result. In the capturing of the image, when the optical fiber deviates, a predetermined countermeasure is taken to make the image clear, and the image is maintained in a clear state.