Optical Fiber Core Cleaning With Self-Wiping Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning the exposed core of optical fibers are time-consuming and labor-intensive, necessitating the use of additional liquids or equipment.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involves cutting a portion of the protective coating at the transition between the covered and uncovered parts of the optical fiber core and moving it along the longitudinal axis to clean the uncovered part, using a knife arrangement to facilitate this process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ultrasonic bath with alcohol is used to clean the exposed core, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cleaning function from the traditional ultrasonic bath method and integrates it into the coating removal process itself. The coating removal tool is designed to simultaneously perform both coating removal and cleaning functions, eliminating the need for separate cleaning equipment and reducing process time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the coating removal operation with the cleaning operation into a single integrated process. The same tool that removes the protective coating also cleans the exposed core by wiping it with the removed coating material, combining two previously separate steps into one efficient operation.
2Reliability
If additional cleaning equipment and liquids are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coating removal tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving both to remove the protective coating and to clean the exposed core. This universal tool eliminates the need for separate cleaning equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The removed protective coating itself is utilized as the cleaning medium. The coating material that is stripped from the fiber is then used to wipe and clean the exposed core, creating a self-service system that requires no additional cleaning liquids or materials.
3Reliability
If traditional cleaning methods are used, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but environmental impact worsens due to liquid waste
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the removed protective coating as a disposable cleaning element. This coating material, which would otherwise be waste, is utilized for cleaning purposes and then discarded, eliminating the need for chemical cleaning liquids and their associated environmental problems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the removed protective coating as waste, the invention recovers its utility by using it as a cleaning medium. This approach transforms waste material into a useful function, reducing environmental impact while maintaining cleaning thoroughness.
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 and apparatus provide a simple and efficient cleaning process that does not require additional liquids or equipment, effectively removing contaminants from the optical fiber core while being environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
a cutting arrangement configured to cut a portion of the protecting coating at a transition between the covered part and the uncovered part of the core
Implementation Method 2
the holding means and the cutting arrangement are arranged to move in relation to each other along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber to move the cut portion of the protecting coating along the longitudinal axis and along the uncovered part towards a free end of the uncovered part
Implementation Method 3
moving the cut portion of the protecting coating along the longitudinal axis and along the uncovered part towards a free end of the uncovered part in order to clean at least a portion of the uncovered part of the core
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A method (100) for cleaning at least a portion of an uncovered part (2.1) of a core (2) of an optical fiber (1) comprising the core (2) and a protecting coating (3) tightly surrounding a covered part (2.2) of the core (2) is described. The method (100) comprises the steps of: cutting (101) a portion (5) of the protecting coating (3) at a transition between the covered part (2.2) and the uncovered part (2.1) of the core (2) and moving (103) the cut portion (5) of the protecting coating (3) along a longitudinal axis (a) of the optical fiber (1) and along the uncovered part (2.1) towards a free end (4) of the uncovered part (2.1) in order to clean at least said portion of the uncovered part (2.1) of the core (2). An apparatus (6) configured for handling an optical fiber (1) is also described.