Multi-Axis Optical Fiber Laying Head for Consistent Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of optical fibers requires human intervention, leading to increased costs and inconsistent quality in laying operations.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber laying unit with a movable working head capable of movement along multiple axes (X, Y, Z) and swiveling, integrated with a support for substrates, enabling automated and precise fiber laying on substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human workers are involved in handling optical fibers, then flexibility in handling is maintained, but handling cost increases and quality consistency cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human manual handling with an automated working head that uses mechanical engagement features (jaws, clamps, or rollers) to grip and lay optical fibers. The working head is positioned by automated positioning mechanisms along the substrate, eliminating human intervention while maintaining consistent handling quality through precise mechanical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the working head autonomously engages with optical fibers, positions itself along the substrate according to programmed paths, and completes the laying operation without human intervention. The automated control system manages the entire process from fiber engagement to final positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If a working head movable along multiple axes is used, then laying precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into three independent axis components (first axis, second axis, and third axis), each responsible for movement in a specific direction. This segmentation allows precise control of the working head position through coordinated movement along each axis while simplifying the control mechanism compared to a single complex positioning system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multi-axis movement capability, transitioning from simple linear movement to three-dimensional positioning along the substrate. The working head can move along a first path parallel to a first axis, a second path parallel to a second axis perpendicular to the first, and a third path parallel to a third axis perpendicular to both first and second axes, enabling precise positioning in multiple dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber laying unit (108, 208, 308, 408) is disclosed as including a support (106) for supporting a substrate, and a working head (110, 210, 310, 410) movable relative to the support along a first path parallel to an X-axis, along a second path parallel to a Y-axis which is perpendicular to the X-axis, and along a third path parallel to a Z-axis which is perpendicular to the X-axis and the Y-axis, the working head being engageable with a piece of optical fiber (128) and is movable along at least one of the first path, the second path and the third path to lay at least part of the piece of optical fiber on a substrate supported by the support.