Pivotable Fiber Cleaning Apparatus with Elastic Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning optical fiber end tips are risky for workers and often result in damage to the fibers, as they lack the necessary precision and protection for effective and damage-free cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning apparatus with pivotable modules featuring non-abrasive surface layers and elastic insulation materials, designed to surround the fiber ends completely, using a hinge joint mechanism with a spring element for secure grip and adjustable clamping, and interchangeable cleaning surfaces to prevent injury and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual cleaning with conventional tools is used, then workers can perform cleaning tasks, but there is a high risk of worker injury and fiber damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized cleaning apparatus with non-abrasive surface layers as an intermediary between the worker and the optical fiber. This mediator performs the cleaning function while eliminating direct manual handling risks, thereby reducing injury risk and fiber damage while maintaining cleaning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The non-abrasive surface layers are designed as replaceable consumable components that can be easily exchanged. These disposable-like elements ensure continuous safe operation by replacing worn cleaning surfaces, maintaining low risk of fiber damage while preserving cleaning effectiveness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If replaceable non-abrasive surface layers are used, then fiber damage is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is divided into modular components with replaceable non-abrasive surface layers. This segmentation allows the complex function of safe cleaning to be achieved through simple, interchangeable elements, making the overall system manageable despite its multifunctional requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates easily replaceable surface layers that can be discarded when worn and replaced with new ones. This approach manages the complexity by allowing simple component replacement rather than requiring complex adjustment or repair mechanisms, maintaining fiber protection while simplifying maintenance
3Productivity
If machine series production is implemented, then production efficiency increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed with modular segmented components including grip plates, hinge joints, and replaceable surface layers. This modularity enables standardized mass production of individual components with controlled precision requirements, while final assembly becomes a simpler process of joining standardized parts
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates adjustable parameters such as the clamping width of the hinge joint that can be modified to accommodate different fiber types. This adjustability reduces manufacturing precision requirements by allowing post-production calibration rather than requiring tight tolerances during manufacturing
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 apparatus reduces the risk of worker injury and fiber damage, is more efficient in production and use, and allows for precise cleaning of optical fiber end tips without causing harm, enabling effective cleaning in various environments, including those with poor accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The modules are spring-mounted relative to one another by means of a spring element introduced in the hinge joint
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus comprises modules which are provided with non-abrasive surface layers able to pick up contaminations
Implementation Method 3
In at least one of the modules, elastic material layers are arranged between the surface layer and the main body of the module
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for treating optical fibers can be used to carry out necessary cleaning work on the end tips of the glass fibers of fiber-optic cables. The apparatus has modules which are provided with non-abrasive surface layers able to pick up contaminants and are spring-mounted in relation to one another such that they can be pivoted about a hinge joint, and, in the case of at least one of the modules, elastic material layers are introduced between the surface layer and the main body of the assembly. The assemblies are preferably designed in the form of grip plates, between which non-abrasive, cloth-like layers are applied, as a cleaning surface, to each of the facing surfaces and, in the case of both gripping plates, elastic insulating materials are arranged between the cloth-like surface layer and the gripping plate.