Optical Fiber Unit Inspection Device Width Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber unit inspection devices fail to reliably detect improper adhesion of binding materials, which can lead to instability and errors in mid-span branching and other operations.
Innovation Solution
An inspection device that measures the width of optical fiber units in orthogonal directions and uses bending portions to differentiate between properly and improperly adhered binding materials, determining the presence of abnormalities based on these measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If binding materials are wound in an SZ shape on optical fibers, then workability of mid-span branching is improved, but reliability of binding adhesion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring the width of the optical fiber unit at multiple positions along its length before the binding adhesion problem occurs. This allows detection of width variations that indicate improper adhesion, enabling preventive measures to be taken before reliability issues manifest during mid-span branching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using measurement results from width detection to determine the binding state. The system continuously monitors the optical fiber unit width and provides feedback on the adhesion quality, allowing real-time assessment of binding reliability while maintaining the SZ winding configuration for operational flexibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If binding materials are spirally wound on optical fibers, then binding stability is improved, but ease of operation for mid-span branching deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the width of the optical fiber unit at multiple positions along its length to detect variations that indicate binding issues before they affect mid-span branching operations. This preliminary detection allows operators to identify stable versus unstable binding sections in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback on binding stability through width measurements, enabling operators to make informed decisions about where to perform mid-span branching operations. The feedback mechanism bridges the stability of spiral winding with the operational flexibility needed for branching.
3Reliability
If multiple binding materials are adhered at reversal points, then detection of improper adhesion becomes necessary, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical inspection systems with a simpler width measurement approach. By measuring the width of the optical fiber unit at multiple positions and analyzing variations, the system detects improper adhesion without requiring complex mechanical probes or sensors that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct adhesion strength measurement to width variation measurement. This parameter change simplifies the inspection device while maintaining reliability, as width variations serve as an indirect but effective indicator of binding adhesion quality at reversal points.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~3A
AI summary
An inspection device of an optical fiber unit inspects an optical fiber unit in which a plurality of binding materials are wound in an SZ shape on a plurality of optical fibers. The inspection device of an optical fiber unit includes a measurement unit that is configured to measure a width of the optical fiber units in a first direction orthogonal to a longitudinal direction in which the optical fiber unit extends; and a determination unit that is configured to determine presence or absence of an abnormality in a binding state, based on a measurement result of the measurement unit.