Optical Fiber Preform Suspension Structure for Drawing Furnace
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing suspension structures for conveying optical fiber preforms into drawing furnaces are inefficient due to time-consuming engagement processes and risk of pin deformation or damage, which hampers precise and reliable high-temperature operations.
Innovation Solution
A suspension structure featuring a dummy rod with a suspension portion formed in a depressed, projected, or hole shape, equipped with a joining mechanism and engagement mechanism that includes arms and retention portions to securely retain and position the optical fiber preform, allowing for stable and efficient conveyance into the furnace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connection tube and pin engagement process is used to suspend the optical fiber preform, then the preform can be supported and conveyed, but the engagement process takes significant time and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension portion is pre-formed on the dummy rod before conveyance operations. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming engagement processes during actual conveyance, as the suspension structure is already ready to be attached to the preform.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the suspension function from the complex connection tube and pin engagement process. By extracting the essential suspension capability and implementing it through a simpler dummy rod with pre-formed suspension portion, the system achieves reliable support without the time-consuming multi-step engagement process.
2Device complexity
If only a pin is used to support the optical fiber preform, then the structure is simple, but the pin may be deformed or damaged under load
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple functional components: the dummy rod provides the main support body, the suspension portion provides the attachment interface, the joining mechanism provides the connection function, and the engagement mechanism provides the securing function. This segmentation distributes the load across multiple elements rather than concentrating it on a single pin.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining the dummy rod (providing structural integrity) with the suspension portion (providing attachment capability) and the joining and engagement mechanisms (providing connection and securing functions). This composite approach creates a more reliable support system than a single pin could provide.
3Productivity
If the drawing furnace operates at high temperature for continuous drawing, then production efficiency is maintained, but the narrow space near the furnace makes conveyance work difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension portion is pre-formed on the dummy rod, and the joining and engagement mechanisms are prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation allows the conveyance operation to be performed quickly without requiring complex assembly procedures in the narrow, high-temperature space near the drawing furnace.
Solution Approach 2:
The dummy rod with its integrated suspension portion and the joining mechanism with engagement mechanism are designed to work together in a self-contained manner. The engagement mechanism automatically secures the preform to the dummy rod through the suspension portion, reducing the need for manual adjustment and intervention in the constrained space near the furnace.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension structure of the present embodiment conveys an optical fiber preform into a drawing furnace. A suspension portion formed in a depressed shape or a projected shape or as a hole is formed in a dummy rod connected on an upper side of the optical fiber preform conveyed into the drawing furnace. The suspension structure includes: a joining mechanism configured to cover at least a part of circumference of the dummy rod and include an arm that extends on both sides in a direction perpendicular to a drawing direction and a retention portion that engages with the suspension portion and retains the optical fiber preform; and an engagement mechanism including a gripping portion with which the arm engages and which hangs the optical fiber preform.