Rotatable Fixture for Laser Cleaving Multi-Row Fiber Ribbons
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for processing optical fibers, such as mechanical cleaving and polishing, are time-consuming and labor-intensive, and while laser cleaving techniques offer improvements, there is still a need for more efficient and high-quality methods to ensure coplanar cleaved surfaces when installing optical fibers in ferrules.
Innovation Solution
A laser cleaving system with a rotatable fixture that supports and separates optical fiber ribbons, allowing for independent cleaving and serial processing, facilitated by a laser beam path and automated actuator and controller, ensuring high-quality and coplanar cleaved surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mechanical cleaving and polishing methods are used, then optical surfaces can be formed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cleaving and polishing systems with a laser-based system. The laser beam performs both cleaving and surface formation through optical energy, eliminating the need for mechanical contact tools and multiple polishing steps, thereby dramatically reducing processing time while maintaining surface quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the optical fiber end by using laser energy to melt and re-solidify the material. This phase change process creates a high-quality optical surface without mechanical contact, transforming the fiber end through controlled thermal parameters rather than mechanical force.
2Productivity
If multiple optical fiber ribbons are processed together, then productivity increases, but maintaining coplanar cleaved surfaces becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the processing of multiple ribbons into sequential individual operations. Each ribbon is independently positioned and processed one at a time by the laser beam, ensuring that each receives precise, independent attention. This segmentation allows high productivity through automation while maintaining the precision of coplanar surfaces for each individual ribbon.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a precision positioning system and control mechanism as an intermediary between the laser beam and multiple ribbons. This intermediary system manages the sequential positioning and processing of each ribbon, ensuring that despite processing multiple ribbons, each maintains proper alignment and coplanarity through automated control.
3Loss of time
If laser cleaving is used, then processing time is reduced, but ensuring high-quality coplanar surfaces requires improved positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the positioning system to perform multiple functions: it positions individual ribbons, maintains coplanarity, and coordinates sequential processing. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated positioning mechanism, reducing overall device complexity while ensuring high-quality results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic positioning system that can adjust and adapt during the processing of different ribbons. The system is designed to be flexible and responsive, allowing real-time adjustments to maintain precision across multiple processing operations, thereby managing complexity through adaptability rather than rigid fixed structures.
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 system reduces cycle times and achieves high-quality, coplanar cleaved surfaces, minimizing connector insertion losses and improving efficiency in the processing of multiple optical fibers.
Implementation Method 1
cleaving the first optical fiber ribbon with at least one laser while the first and second optical fiber ribbons are at least partially supported by the fixture
Implementation Method 2
cleaving the second optical fiber ribbon with the at least one laser
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser cleaving system includes a laser and a fixture including holders for respectively holding optical fiber ribbons at different angular positions. The fixture is rotatable relative to the laser for facilitating serial cleaving of the optical fiber ribbons. The fixture is configured for holding the ribbons in a predetermined manner so that the cleaved optical surfaces are of high quality and coplanar, such as when installed in a ferrule. For example, the fixture separates the ends of the ribbons from one another so that the ribbons being held by the fixture may be cleaved substantially independently from one another.