UV-Cured Mechanical Fiber Splice Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical fiber repair mechanisms, such as fusion splicing, are not viable in sensitive environments due to heat sensitivity and potential explosive hazards, and mechanical splicing lacks the robustness and reliability required for applications like aviation, where high durability and reliability standards must be met.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical optical fiber splicing apparatus with clamps, motor assemblies, and a curing chamber using ultraviolet light to cure resin within a capillary tube, allowing for precise alignment and secure bonding of optical fibers without heat, ensuring robustness and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fusion splicing is used to join optical fibers, then the splice strength and light transmission are improved, but heat is generated which creates safety hazards in sensitive environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal fusion splicing system with a mechanical splicing system. Instead of using heat (thermal energy) to fuse fiber ends, the invention uses mechanical clamps with V-shaped grooves to physically hold and align the fiber ends together, eliminating the harmful thermal effect while maintaining splice integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an index-matching gel as an intermediary substance between the fiber ends. This gel fills the gap between imperfectly contacting fiber surfaces, reducing optical reflection and improving light transmission without requiring perfect mechanical contact or thermal fusion
2Productivity
If mechanical splicing is used to join optical fibers, then the installation speed is improved, but the splice robustness and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs motorized actuators that can dynamically adjust the position of clamps along the optical fibers. This allows for precise alignment and controlled insertion of fiber ends into the splicing assembly, ensuring optimal contact and bonding conditions while maintaining quick installation through automated movement rather than manual positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The V-shaped grooves in the clamps are designed to automatically self-align the fiber ends during the splicing process. As the clamps move along the fibers and apply pressure, the V-grooves naturally guide the fibers into proper alignment and hold them securely, eliminating the need for complex external alignment mechanisms while ensuring consistent, reliable splices
3Ease of operation
If mechanical splicing with resin is used, then the installation ease is improved, but the optical loss increases due to imperfect contact between fiber ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an index-matching gel as an intermediary substance between the fiber ends. This gel fills the gap between imperfectly contacting fiber surfaces, reducing optical reflection and improving light transmission without requiring perfect mechanical contact or thermal fusion
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 quick, efficient, and reliable splicing of optical fibers in sensitive environments, meeting durability standards for applications like aviation, while avoiding heat-related hazards and maintaining the strength of the original fiber.
Implementation Method 1
activating an ultraviolet light, such that the ultraviolet light cures the resin
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for assembling a fiber optic splice is provided. A first optical fiber end is inserted into a first clamp of the apparatus and a second optical fiber end is inserted into a second clamp of the apparatus. Situated between the first clamp and the second clamp is a curing chamber comprising a capillary tube containing resin and an ultra violet light. The first clamp moves a first distance, based on a first measured strain, towards the curing chamber. The second clamp is moved a second distance, based on a second measured strain, towards the curing chamber. The first clamp is then moved a third distance, based on a third measured strain, towards the curing chamber. The ultraviolet light is activated to cure the resin in the capillary tube.