Optical Waveguide Clipper Tool with Electronic Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for handling and processing optical waveguides, such as cutting and crimping, face challenges in ease of use and reliability, particularly in accessing difficult-to-reach receptacles and require complex mechanical counters for accurate cutting length measurement.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held tool with integrated electronic counting and handling functions, featuring a plug-in device for easy insertion and crimping of optical waveguides, which includes a cutting mechanism that automatically trims the waveguides to length during crimping, eliminating the need for subsequent polishing and utilizing an electronic counter to track cuts without a complex mechanical counter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical counter is used to count the number of cuts, then the cutting count can be accurately tracked, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical counter system with an electronic sensor and control circuit. A sensor detects the cutting action and generates an electrical signal, which is processed by a control circuit to count and display the number of cuts. This substitution of mechanical components with electronic systems significantly reduces device complexity while maintaining accurate cutting count measurement.
2Measurement precision
If a complex mechanical counter is implemented, then cutting count can be measured, but the reliability of the tool decreases due to more moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical counter with an electronic sensing and counting system, the patent eliminates numerous moving parts that would reduce reliability. The electronic sensor and control circuit have no mechanical wear components, thereby increasing tool reliability while still providing accurate cutting count measurement.
3Device complexity
If manual insertion of plugs into receptacles is used, then the tool structure remains simple, but ease of operation deteriorates when receptacles are difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a handling device with a holder as an intermediary between the user and the plug. The holder securely grips the plug and extends it outward, allowing the user to easily position and insert plugs into difficult-to-reach receptacles without directly manipulating the small plug components. This intermediary device significantly improves ease of operation while maintaining relatively simple tool structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The device has display devices i.e. LEDs, crimping dies for crimping optical waveguides, and a trimming mechanism for trimming ends of the optical waveguides. Plugs are arranged in a retainer of a tool, where the device outputs information associated directly or indirectly with cutting executed during blade exchange. Pins (101-103) are projected from a housing (100) and aligned parallel to each other. An electronic circuit (105) is designed such that a signal is generated during closing of the tool. The trimming mechanism has a pressure disk that is mounted at a distance from a stop. An independent claim is also included for a tool i.e. pliers-like tool, for processing optical waveguides.