Optical Fiber Element Wire Heating for Primary-Layer Void Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The application of lateral pressure during the manufacturing of optical fiber element wires can lead to voids in the primary layer, increasing transmission loss in the optical fiber element wire, ribbon, or cable.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber element wire is designed with a primary layer having a Young's modulus within the range of 0.10 to 0.25 MPa, allowing voids to disappear when heated at 60° C. for 3 minutes or more, thereby reducing transmission loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If lateral pressure is applied during manufacturing (winding, stacking), then the optical fiber element wire can be processed into ribbons or cables, but voids occur in the primary layer causing increased transmission loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the optical fiber element wire before ribbon formation to eliminate voids in advance. The heating treatment is performed on the drawn optical fiber element wire before it undergoes lateral pressure during ribbon stacking, preventing void formation that would otherwise occur during subsequent manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters by controlling the Young's modulus of the primary layer within a specific range (0.05 to 0.50 MPa) and applying thermal energy at controlled temperatures and durations. These parameter changes enable the primary layer to deform and eliminate voids under lateral pressure without compromising the optical fiber's structural integrity.
2Reliability
If the primary layer is made softer to eliminate voids under pressure, then transmission loss is reduced, but the layer becomes more susceptible to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent precisely controls the Young's modulus parameter of the primary layer within the range of 0.05 to 0.50 MPa. This parameter optimization allows the layer to be soft enough to eliminate voids under lateral pressure while maintaining sufficient structural stability to prevent excessive deformation during handling and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structure with a primary layer made of specific polymer materials that exhibit controlled mechanical properties. The primary layer is formulated as a composite structure that combines low Young's modulus for void elimination with adequate cohesive strength to maintain structural integrity during subsequent processing and deployment.
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 solution effectively suppresses the increase in transmission loss by ensuring voids in the primary layer vanish through controlled heating, maintaining transmission efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the optical fiber element wire is configured such that a void occurring within the primary layer disappears when the optical fiber element wire is heated at 60° C. for 3 minutes or more
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber element wire includes: a bare wire part including a core and a cladding and extending in an axial direction of the bare wire part; a primary layer covering the bare wire part; and a secondary layer covering the primary layer. A Young's modulus of the primary layer is within a predetermined range that removes a void within the primary layer in response to the optical fiber element wire being heated at either 45° C. or 60° C. for 3 minutes or more.