Optical Fiber Fusion Splicer Load-Adjusting Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber fusion splicers face issues where the fiber clamp either applies too much load, causing buckling when pressing a single fiber, or too little load, leading to axis misalignment when pressing multiple fibers.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber fusion splicer with a load-changing mechanism that adjusts the pressure applied by the fiber clamp based on the number of fibers, using a movable clamp block and a spring-loaded system to ensure appropriate pressure, preventing buckling and misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the fiber clamp presses the optical fiber under a heavy load, then the optical fiber alignment is improved, but the optical fiber may buckle
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp block is made movable relative to the fiber clamp along the vertical direction, allowing the pressing load to be dynamically adjusted. When pressing a single optical fiber, the clamp block moves upward to reduce load and prevent buckling. When pressing multiple optical fibers, the clamp block moves downward to increase load and ensure proper alignment, thus resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and fiber shape stability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fiber clamp presses the optical fiber under a light load, then the optical fiber shape is preserved, but the optical fibers may misalign their axes
Solution Approach 1:
The movable clamp block enables dynamic adjustment of pressing load. For single fiber pressing, the clamp block is positioned upward to apply light load, preserving fiber shape. For multiple fiber pressing, the clamp block moves downward to apply heavy load, ensuring axis alignment, thus resolving the contradiction between shape preservation and alignment precision.
3Device complexity
If the fiber clamp uses a fixed load, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different pressing circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp block is made movable relative to the fiber clamp along the vertical direction, enabling the pressing load to be adjusted according to different circumstances. The block moving unit controls the clamp block position based on whether one or multiple optical fibers are being pressed, providing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing load parameter is changed by adjusting the vertical position of the clamp block. When pressing a single optical fiber, the load is reduced by moving the clamp block upward. When pressing multiple optical fibers, the load is increased by moving the clamp block downward, thus adapting to different pressing circumstances.
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 solution allows for optimal pressure application, preventing buckling and misalignment, thereby enabling low-loss fusion splicing of optical fibers.
Implementation Method 1
The load imparting member is a spring arranged between the fiber clamp and the clamp block. Moving the clamp block upward with respect to the fiber clamp in such a structure elongates the spring, thereby lowering the load (spring load) applied to the fiber clamp by the spring.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber fusion splicer 1 comprises a base 3 having a plurality of fiber grooves 6 for containing optical fibers 5 and a fiber clamp member 10. The fiber clamp member 10 has a clamp block 11, while a fiber clamp 17 for pressing the optical fibers 5 contained in the fiber grooves 6 against the base 3 is joined to the clamp block 11 through a clamp auxiliary 15. The clamp block 11 is vertically movable with respect to the fiber clamp 17. A clamp spring 16 is disposed between the clamp block 11 and the clamp auxiliary 15. This changes the load for the fiber clamp 17 to press the optical fibers 5 according to the height position of the clamp block 11.