Polyimide Coated Optical Fiber for Indoor Installations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fibers for indoor applications lack sufficient strength and durability, leading to increased manufacturing and installation costs due to the use of low-modulus UV cured acrylate materials in secondary coating layers, which compromise performance and require additional cabling for protection.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber design featuring a core and cladding region with a first coating layer made from acrylates or polyimides and a second coating layer of polyimide material, providing a strength of at least 5 GPa, eliminating the need for additional cabling and buffering, and enhancing crush resistance for indoor staple installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If UV cured acrylate material is used for the secondary coating layer, then the optical fiber becomes softer and more cushioning, but the mechanical strength decreases and performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coating structure into distinct layers: a primary coating layer (180-200 μm diameter) made of UV cured acrylate for cushioning protection, and a secondary coating layer (350-450 μm diameter) made of polyimide for mechanical strength. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specialized function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structure combining UV cured acrylate (soft, cushioning) and polyimide (strong, durable) in a layered configuration. The primary layer provides impact absorption while the secondary layer provides tensile strength and structural integrity, creating a composite coating system that achieves both protection and strength.
2Strength
If multiple coating layers are added to increase strength, then the mechanical strength improves, but the manufacturing cost and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coating function into two distinct layers with specific diameter ranges (primary: 180-200 μm, secondary: 350-450 μm), allowing standardized manufacturing processes for each layer type while achieving high strength without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for coating layer diameters and material types, enabling consistent quality control and streamlined manufacturing. The primary coating diameter of 180-200 μm and secondary coating diameter of 350-450 μm are optimized parameters that balance strength requirements with manufacturing efficiency.
3Strength
If additional cabling and buffering are used to provide strength, then the mechanical strength improves, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical fiber coating itself multi-functional by incorporating both cushioning protection (primary layer) and mechanical strength (secondary layer) directly into the fiber structure. This eliminates the need for separate protective cabling or buffering components, as the coating layers perform all necessary protective functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of cushioning protection and mechanical strength support into the optical fiber's own coating structure. By combining UV cured acrylate and polyimide materials in a layered coating system, the fiber becomes self-sufficient and does not require external cabling or buffering for protection.
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 optical fiber achieves enhanced mechanical strength and cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need for additional cabling and buffering, while maintaining optical performance and being suitable for harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
the first coating layer is formed from a material selected from a group of acrylates and polyimides, the first coating layer has a first diameter in a range of 200 μm - 300 μm, the second coating layer is formed of a polyimide material, the second coating layer has a second diameter in a range of 300 μm - 400 μm and the range of diameter and type of material used for the first coating layer and the second coating layer provides strength greater than or equal to 5GPa to the optical fiber
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
AI summary
Disclosed is an optical fiber (100). The optical fiber (100) a core region (105) defined by a region around a central longitudinal axis (125). In addition, the optical fiber (100) a cladding region (110). The cladding region (110) surrounds the core region (105). Moreover, the optical fiber (100) includes a first coating layer (115). The first coating layer (115) surrounds the cladding region (110). Further, the optical fiber (100) includes a second coating layer (120). The second coating layer (120) surrounds the first coating layer (115). The first coating layer (115) is formed from a material selected from a group of acrylates and polyimides. The first coating layer (115) has a first diameter in a range of 200 µm - 300 µm. The second coating layer (120) is formed of a polyimide material. The second coating layer (120) has a second diameter in a range of 300 µm - 400 µm.