Quartz Plastic Composite Optical Fiber Assembly Visual Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying the reliable connection of connectors at the ends of optical jumper wires are not intuitive and prone to errors, as they either lack visual inspection capabilities or have limited application ranges.
Innovation Solution
A composite optical fiber assembly combining quartz and plastic optical fibers, where the connection state of the quartz optical fiber connectors is determined by injecting a light source into the connectors of the plastic optical fibers, causing them to visibly highlight the connection status using green or red lights depending on the connection reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a label printed/pasted/tied on a cable is utilized for identification, then the cable ends can be marked, but the label is easy to be scattered, lost and with fuzzy writing, resulting in low search efficiency and frequent mistakes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical label-based identification systems with an optical identification system. Plastic optical fibers are integrated into the cable assembly, and LED lights transmit identification signals through these fibers. This substitution eliminates the physical limitations of labels (scattering, fading, loss) by using light transmission, which is more reliable and maintains information integrity over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces plastic optical fibers as intermediaries between the LED light sources and the external environment. These fibers carry identification signals from the cable interior to the exterior, enabling reliable visual identification without exposing the actual connection points. The optical fibers act as a mediator that transfers information while maintaining cable integrity.
2Ease of operation
If two ends of a cable assembly are lightened with Light Emitting Diodes, then the two ends of the cable can be located, but the cable must have a metal-reinforced or similar structure that provides a metal conduction loop, limiting the application range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces metal conduction loops with plastic optical fibers for signal transmission. Instead of requiring metallic structures for electrical conduction, the system uses optical fibers to transmit identification signals via light. This substitution removes the material constraint, allowing the identification system to work with various cable types including those without metal reinforcement, thereby expanding adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium from electrical (metal conduction) to optical (light transmission). This parameter change in the signal transmission mode allows the system to bypass the requirement for metal-reinforced structures, enabling broader application across different cable types and configurations.
3Ease of operation
If two ends of a jumper wire are identified by lightening a plastic optical fiber, then the identification is intuitive and highly effective, but whether the connectors at the two ends are reliably connected cannot be intuitively identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification function into two distinct parts: location identification and connection state identification. Plastic optical fibers are used for location identification (making cable ends visible), while a separate detection mechanism monitors connector connection states. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently, with connection state information being transmitted back to indicate reliability status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the connection state of connectors is detected and transmitted back through the optical fiber system. The detection device monitors whether connectors are properly connected and sends this information back, allowing users to intuitively understand both location and connection status. This feedback loop ensures that connection state information is not lost but rather communicated back to the user.
4Productivity
If a quartz optical fiber and a plurality of plastic optical fibers are integrated into a connector, then the quartz optical fiber handles transmission of operation and the plastic optical fibers handle transmission of identification signals, but whether the connectors at the two ends are reliably connected cannot be intuitively inspected by eyes and displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plastic optical fibers as intermediaries to bridge the gap between the quartz optical fiber (handling operation transmission) and the visual identification requirement. These plastic fibers carry identification signals and connection state information to visible indicators, enabling visual inspection without interfering with the primary optical transmission function of the quartz fiber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension to the connection state information. Instead of relying solely on the functional integration of optical fibers, the system projects connection status into the visual domain through LED indicators and light transmission. This dimensional addition allows users to intuitively inspect connection reliability without disrupting the core optical transmission functionality.
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
Enables intuitive and accurate visual inspection of connector connections, improving identification efficiency and reducing errors by clearly indicating reliable connections through color-coded lighting.
Implementation Method 1
the connection state of the quartz optical fiber connectors is determined by light injected into the connectors of the plastic optical fibers, causing them to visibly highlight the connection status using green or red lights
Data Source
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AI summary
A quartz plastic composite optical fiber assembly, recognition method and device the quartz plastic composite optical fiber assembly comprises a quartz optical fiber, a quartz optical fiber connector, at least two plastic optical fibers and plastic optical fiber connectors respectively corresponding thereto and the plastic optical fiber is arranged on the quartz optical fiber. The structure enables visual inspection and display of whether the connectors at two ends have a normal connection.