Optical Fiber Unit Head with Multi-Side Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing optical fiber unit design limits the degree of freedom in setting a jig, as the optical fiber cable extends from only one side of the hexagonal prism, restricting the method of jig placement and potentially damaging the cable when the jig comes into contact.

Innovation Solution

The optical fiber unit features a shaft with a male thread and a head shaped as a polygonal prism with openings on multiple sides, allowing the optical fiber cable to move freely across these sides, enabling various methods for jig placement without interference, including grasping sides excluding the cable's exit points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the optical fiber cable extends from only one side of the hexagonal prism, then the structure is simple, but the degree of freedom in setting the jig is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedegree of freedom in setting the jigVSAvoidstructure of the head
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The head is divided into multiple sides (first side, second side, third side, fourth side) with openings formed in at least two adjacent sides. This segmentation allows the jig to be set on different sides of the hexagonal prism without contacting the optical fiber cable, increasing the degree of freedom in jig placement while maintaining structural clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The opening is extended from a single-side configuration to a multi-side configuration across adjacent sides of the hexagonal prism. This dimensional expansion in terms of spatial distribution of openings allows the optical fiber cable to exit through multiple possible locations, enabling jig placement on sides where the cable does not extend.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the jig grasps the hexagonal prism to avoid contact with the optical fiber cable, then the cable is protected from damage, but the workability in installing the optical fiber unit is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkability in installing the optical fiber unitVSAvoidprotection of the optical fiber cable
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hexagonal prism is divided into multiple sides, with the opening formed in at least two adjacent sides. This allows the jig to grasp any side except those with openings, providing multiple safe grasping positions that protect the optical fiber cable while maintaining ease of operation during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The head structure with openings in multiple sides serves multiple functions: it allows the optical fiber cable to exit through different sides, provides multiple grasping positions for the jig, and enables flexible installation orientations. This multi-functionality improves workability while ensuring cable protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the opening is formed in multiple sides of the head, then the optical fiber cable has more movement freedom, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement freedom of the optical fiber cableVSAvoidmanufacturing of the head
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The head is segmented into multiple sides with openings formed in at least two adjacent sides. This segmentation allows the optical fiber cable to exit through multiple locations and provides flexibility in installation, while the segmented structure can be manufactured using standard machining processes for polyhedral shapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The openings are strategically positioned in specific sides (at least two adjacent sides) rather than uniformly distributed. This local quality approach provides the necessary movement freedom for the optical fiber cable while minimizing the number of openings to reduce manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2851720B1Optical fiber unit for optical fiber sensor
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 OMRON CORP
  • EP2851720B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2851720B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2851720B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An optical fiber unit for an optical fiber sensor improves the degree of freedom in setting a jig. The optical fiber unit includes an optical fiber cable, a shaft, and a head. The shaft includes a peripheral surface having a male thread, and a through-hole in which the optical fiber cable is inserted. The head is shaped in a polygonal prism including a plurality of sides and a bottom. The head includes a plurality of sides including a first side and a second side adjacent to each other. The shaft is connected to the bottom of the head. The head includes a space that communicates with the through-hole. The space is exposed at an opening formed in at least the first side and the second side among the plurality of sides. The opening includes a first opening portion formed in the first side, and a second opening portion formed in the second side. The first opening portion and the second opening portion communicate with each other.