Multi-Point Preform Clamping for Optical Fiber Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for manufacturing twisted optical fibers face challenges in maintaining preform straightness and uniformity, leading to vibrations and mechanical damage during high-speed spinning, especially with larger and more complex preforms, and existing twist techniques are limited in achieving high twist rates without damaging the fiber's coating.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a spindle and multiple work holding devices, including chucks, collets, cams, and compression devices, secures the preform at multiple positions to reduce vibrations and maintain alignment, using adjustable mechanisms and cupped spring washers to prevent loosening due to thermal expansion, and a handle to dissipate radiative heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional single-point clamping is used to hold the preform, then the device complexity is low, but the preform run-out and vibration increase at high spin rates
Solution Approach 1:
The preform clamping system is divided into multiple independent clamping points (at least two clamps positioned at different locations along the preform). Each clamp independently secures a segment of the preform, collectively reducing run-out and vibration more effectively than a single clamping point while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamps are positioned at different longitudinal locations along the preform rather than at a single point, adding a spatial dimension to the clamping arrangement. This multi-point distribution along the length of the preform creates a more stable clamping system that reduces vibration and run-out.
2Productivity
If mechanical wheels are used to increase twist rate, then the productivity increases, but mechanical twist is left in the fiber that damages the coating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical twist wheels with a preform spinning system where the preform itself is rotated during fiber drawing. This substitution eliminates the need for post-draw mechanical twisting, allowing high twist rates to be achieved without the harmful mechanical contact that damages the fiber coating.
Solution Approach 2:
The twist is imparted to the fiber during the drawing process itself by rotating the preform, rather than applying mechanical twist after drawing. This preliminary action of twisting during formation avoids subsequent mechanical handling that would damage the coating.
3Ease of operation
If gulp and wobble wheels are used to impart twist, then the ease of operation is improved, but the twist rate is limited and fiber breakage occurs at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gulp and wobble wheels with a preform rotation system. The preform is rotated during fiber drawing to impart twist, eliminating the need for post-draw mechanical twisting devices that cause fiber breakage at high speeds while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple work holding devices are used to reduce vibration, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping system uses multiple independent clamps (at least two) positioned at different locations along the preform. Each clamp is a relatively simple component, but their collective arrangement provides superior vibration reduction and alignment precision without requiring an overly complex integrated mechanism.
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 reduces preform run-out and allows for higher twist rates with minimal mechanical twist in the fiber, improving handling and reducing equipment vibrations, while maintaining the integrity of the fiber's coating.
Implementation Method 1
The cupped spring washers are configured to be held under compression between the upper end of the spindle and the collet closing nut
Implementation Method 2
The cupped spring washers are configured to be held under compression
Implementation Method 3
The handle is operable to light guide radiative heat away from the apparatus
Implementation Method 4
The handle is operable to light guide radiative heat away from the apparatus
Implementation Method 5
Preform spinning overcomes these limitations while providing high twist rates
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for manufacturing an optical fiber is provided. The apparatus includes a spindle having a bore for receiving a preform of the optical fiber along a longitudinal axis defined by the spindle. A plurality of work holding devices are positioned apart from each other along the longitudinal axis of the spindle and configured to secure the preform against the spindle at two or more distinct positions when the preform is spinning The plurality of work holding devices comprises any combination of chucks, collets, cams, set screws, or shims. A position of at least one of the work holding device is adjustable to shift the preform away from the longitudinal axis.