Rechargeable Optical Cable Heat-Shrink Heating Without Open Flame
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for heat-shrinking heat-shrinkable tubes around optical cables are cumbersome, increase working time, and pose safety risks due to the use of open flames, especially in confined spaces like manholes, limiting productivity and safety.
Innovation Solution
A heating apparatus with a first and second heating unit, controlled by a controller, allows for safe and efficient heat-shrinking of heat-shrinkable tubes around optical connectors without open flames, enabling adjustable temperature and time settings, and rechargeable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a gas torch or burner is used to heat the heat-shrinkable tube, then the heat-shrinkable tube can be heated, but the working time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical heating system (gas torch or burner requiring worker operation) with an automated heating apparatus that uses electric heating elements. The apparatus automatically positions and heats the heat-shrinkable tube through motorized movement and controlled heating cycles, eliminating manual intervention and significantly reducing working time while maintaining effective heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements programmable control of heating parameters including temperature, time, and position. The system can adjust these parameters based on the specific requirements of different heat-shrinkable tube types, optimizing the heating process for each application and improving both efficiency and adaptability.
2Temperature
If a gas torch or burner is used to heat the heat-shrinkable tube, then the heat-shrinkable tube can be heated, but the risk of fire and explosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the flame-based heating system with an electric heating system that uses heating elements rather than open flames. This substitution eliminates the fire and explosion hazards associated with flammable substances in confined spaces like manholes, while still providing sufficient heat to effectively shrink the heat-shrinkable tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a controlled heating environment that eliminates flammable gases and open flames, inherently preventing fire and explosion risks. The electric heating system operates without producing ignitable byproducts, making the process safe for use in confined spaces with potential hazardous atmospheres.
3Temperature
If a separate heating tool is used to heat the heat-shrinkable tube, then the heat-shrinkable tube can be heated, but the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated apparatus: the heating element, positioning mechanism, and control system are combined in one device. This eliminates the need for separate heating tools and manual positioning operations, making the overall process simpler and more efficient while maintaining effective heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to automatically position and heat the heat-shrinkable tube without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts positioning and heating parameters based on pre-programmed settings, making the operation simple and eliminating the cumbersome manual processes required with separate heating tools.
4Productivity
If heating is performed in confined spaces like manholes, then the work can be completed, but safety issues arise due to flammable substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces flame-based heating with electric heating that produces no flammable byproducts. This substitution makes the process inherently safe for use in confined spaces like manholes where flammable substances may be present, allowing work completion without compromising safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric heating system creates a non-igniting environment that is safe for operation in confined spaces with potential hazardous atmospheres. By eliminating open flames and flammable heating materials, the system maintains safety while enabling work completion in previously restricted environments.
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 safe, efficient, and flexible heat-shrinking of heat-shrinkable tubes, preventing fire risks and allowing outdoor use of optical connectors, with adjustable heating parameters and power options.
Implementation Method 1
a first heating unit 10 in which a connection portion of the optical cable A and the optical connector B, on which the heat-shrinkable tube D is fitted on an outer circumference, is horizontally placed and inserted inside and which heats an outer circumference of the heat-shrinkable tube D
Implementation Method 2
has a characteristic of shrinking in the radial direction when heat is applied
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5]
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a heating apparatus for a heat-shrinkable tube for an optical cable, and more particularly, to a heating apparatus that allows a heat-shrinkable portion for an optical connector to be easily and conveniently heat-shrunk by simply inserting the heat-shrinkable tube into a heating unit instead of using a heating device with flame such as a torch in the field, for example in a manhole. The heating apparatus for a heat-shrinkable tube of an optical cable provides waterproofing for the optical connector through a heat-shrinkable tube, can be used in a rechargeable manner without limitation on the working location, and is safe without the risk of fire even in a manhole.