Oscillating Fiber Optic Cleaning Tool for Connector End Faces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic cleaning devices are ineffective in accessing and cleaning all areas of fiber optic connector end faces, particularly in difficult-to-reach areas, and may leave residues or cause signal loss due to improper cleaning methods.
Innovation Solution
A portable fiber optic cleaning device with a motor-driven oscillating platen and cleaning material, capable of oscillating between 5,000 to 40,000 times per minute, which uses a resilient cleaning surface and an advancing mechanism with feed and take-up spools to efficiently clean connector end faces, including a swab holder for additional cleaning capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual swab cleaning is used, then the device is simple and portable, but it cannot effectively clean all areas of connector end faces and requires manual movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ultrasonic vibration at frequencies between 20 kHz and 100 kHz to agitate and remove contamination from fiber optic connector end faces. The vibration mechanism is integrated into the handle, allowing automatic oscillating cleaning without manual movement of the swab, thus resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning device performs self-service through automatic ultrasonic vibration that actively removes contamination without requiring manual manipulation. The system activates the vibration motor upon contact with the connector surface, enabling autonomous cleaning operation while maintaining portability and ease of use.
2Productivity
If larger cleaning devices are used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but portability and field usability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into a compact handle containing the vibration motor and a separate cleaning head with replaceable swabs. This segmentation allows the main body to remain lightweight and portable while the cleaning head provides effective cleaning capability, resolving the contradiction between size and effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible, thin cleaning swabs that can conform to the connector surface while being driven by the ultrasonic vibration mechanism. This allows effective cleaning without requiring a large device body, maintaining portability while achieving thorough cleaning coverage.
3Ease of operation
If improper cleaning is performed, then the device is simple to use, but signal transmission quality deteriorates due to reflectance, residue, or refraction
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates feedback through the ultrasonic vibration mechanism that responds to the mechanical impedance of the connector surface. The vibration system automatically adjusts to ensure complete contamination removal, providing reliable cleaning results that prevent signal transmission issues while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Ultrasonic vibration at high frequency creates micro-scale cleaning action that effectively removes even stubborn contamination without requiring excessive force or complex procedures. This ensures thorough cleaning that prevents reflectance, residue, and refraction issues while keeping the device simple to operate.
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 device effectively cleans all areas of fiber optic connectors, reducing cleaning time and material usage, ensuring high reliability and quality of transmission by removing contamination and residues, and is suitable for use in the field with a battery-powered, lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
an eccentric element is mounted to the motor, wherein the motor rotates the eccentric element to oscillate the platen
Implementation Method 2
The tool is configured to clean surfaces of the fiber optic component by oscillating movement of the platen and the cleaning material on the platen
Implementation Method 3
a cleaning material is configured to reside on the platen
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic component cleaning device includes a body, a motor mounted in the body and a power supply mounted in the body and operably connected to the motor. The device has a resilient platen mounted to the body and a cleaning material configured to reside on the platen. An oscillating device is operably mounted to the motor to induce an oscillation in the body and the platen to oscillate the platen with the cleaning material thereon. The tool is configured to clean surfaces of the fiber optic component by oscillating movement of the platen and the cleaning material on the platen.