Resin Optical Fiber Coating Removal Tool

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coating removal tools for optical fibers have complex structures and high manufacturing costs due to the use of metal materials, limiting their availability and causing delays in on-site operations.

Innovation Solution

A coating removal tool with a simple structure featuring elastically deformable arm members and wedge-shaped contact portions made from resin, allowing for low-cost mass production and efficient coating removal by gripping and pulling out the optical fiber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal materials are used for the removal blade to improve durability, then the tool has high reliability, but the manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the disposable principle by using a resin-based removal blade that is inexpensive to manufacture and replace. Instead of using durable metal blades that increase device complexity and cost, the invention employs a cost-effective resin blade that can be easily replaced when worn, thereby maintaining reliability without increasing structural complexity or manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from metal to resin material for the removal blade. This material parameter change reduces both manufacturing cost and device complexity while maintaining sufficient durability for the intended application. The resin blade's physical properties are optimized to achieve the necessary durability without requiring complex metal construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If metal materials are used for the removal blade to improve durability, then the tool has high reliability, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the disposable principle by using a resin-based removal blade that is inexpensive to manufacture and replace. Instead of using durable metal blades that increase device complexity and cost, the invention employs a cost-effective resin blade that can be easily replaced when worn, thereby maintaining reliability without increasing structural complexity or manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from metal to resin material for the removal blade. This material parameter change reduces both manufacturing cost and device complexity while maintaining sufficient durability for the intended application. The resin blade's physical properties are optimized to achieve the necessary durability without requiring complex metal construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a complicated structure is used for the coating removal tool, then the tool has high reliability, but the manufacturing cost increases and mass production becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool performanceVSAvoidmass production capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the disposable principle by using a resin-based removal blade that is inexpensive to manufacture and replace. Instead of using durable metal blades that increase device complexity and cost, the invention employs a cost-effective resin blade that can be easily replaced when worn, thereby maintaining reliability without increasing structural complexity or manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from metal to resin material for the removal blade. This material parameter change reduces both manufacturing cost and device complexity while maintaining sufficient durability for the intended application. The resin blade's physical properties are optimized to achieve the necessary durability without requiring complex metal construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 tool enables cost-effective and efficient removal of optical fiber coatings, ensuring consistent thickness and reducing production costs while maintaining tool availability.

Implementation Method 1

each of which comprises an elastically deformable deformation portion on a base side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8875403B2Coating removal tool used for optical fiber and method of removing coating

Publication Date: 2014.11.04 FUJIKURA LTD

AI summary

A coating removal tool used for an optical fiber includes: a base; and a pair of arm members extending in one direction from the base. Also, the arm members, each of which comprises an elastically deformable deformation portion on a base side, and an operation portion which is closer to a tip end side than the deformation portion, contact portions in a wedge shape are provided on the inner sides of operation portions, respectively, the inner sides opposing to each other so that tip edges of contact portions oppose to each other, and grip portions are provided outside the operation portions, respectively, and a coating of an optical fiber is configured to be removed by pulling out the optical fiber in a state where the tip edges of the contact portions are brought into contact with the optical fiber disposed along an extending direction of the arm members.