Optical Fiber Module With Segmented Coating For Multi-Core Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In optical switches using multi-core optical fibers, adjusting the rotation angles of individual fibers is complicated due to resin coating friction, and removing resin coatings can lead to fiber breakage, limiting the number of channels that can be realized.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber module design includes a first holding unit with a coated part and a second holding unit with a bare fiber part, where the coated part is separated from the bare part by a space, allowing independent adjustment of rotation angles without adjacent fiber rotation, and the bare parts are collectively held to reduce core distance and increase channel density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If resin coating is applied to multi-core optical fibers to prevent breakage, then fiber strength is improved, but friction between adjacent coated fibers prevents independent rotation angle adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is divided into two distinct sections: a first section with resin coating for strength and protection, and a second section without resin coating for free rotation and positioning. This segmentation allows the fiber to simultaneously benefit from both the protective coating and the ability to be independently adjusted without friction from adjacent fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the optical fiber are given different properties: the first section has resin coating applied to provide strength and prevent breakage, while the second section has no resin coating to enable frictionless rotation and angle adjustment. This local differentiation of properties resolves the contradiction between strength and adjustability.
2Ease of operation
If resin coating is removed from optical fibers to enable independent rotation adjustment, then rotation angle adjustment is facilitated, but fiber breakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of removing the resin coating from the entire fiber, the invention segments the fiber into coated and uncoated portions. The uncoated second section enables independent rotation adjustment without friction, while the coated first section maintains fiber strength and prevents breakage during handling and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resin coating is selectively applied only to the first section of the fiber where strength is needed, while the second section remains uncoated to provide frictionless surfaces for rotation. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of adjustment and fiber strength.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple optical fibers are bundled closely to increase channel density, then number of channels is increased, but friction between adjacent fibers prevents independent rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments each fiber into coated and uncoated sections, with the uncoated second sections positioned in close proximity to enable high channel density. The absence of resin on these second sections eliminates friction between adjacent fibers, allowing independent rotation even when tightly bundled together.
Solution Approach 2:
By applying resin coating only to the first section and leaving the second section uncoated, the invention creates a local frictionless zone at the interaction point between adjacent fibers. This allows multiple fibers to be bundled closely for high channel density while maintaining independent rotation capability through the uncoated surfaces.
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
Facilitates the adjustment of rotation angles for multi-core optical fibers, enabling a larger number of channels in a compact area while preventing fiber breakage, and ensures reliable core positioning for effective optical switching.
Implementation Method 1
The first hole holds the first optical fiber through an adhesive. The second holes hold the second optical fibers through an adhesive, respectively.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber module is disclosed. The optical fiber module includes a first optical fiber as an MCF, a plurality of second optical fibers as MCFs, a first unit, and a second unit. The first unit has an hole holding the first optical fiber and a plurality of holes respectively holding the second optical fibers. These holes are independent of each other. Each optical fiber has a first part and a second part. An outer surface of a cladding of the first part is coated with a resin. An outer surface of a cladding of the second part is exposed from the resin. The first unit holds the first part. The second unit holds the second part. A boundary between the first part and the second part is positioned in a space between the first unit and the second unit.