U.S. patent application number 16/151992 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-21 for method and apparatus for assembling a fiber optic splice.
The applicant listed for this patent is United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy. Invention is credited to Mark Beranek, Michael Block, Nicholas Peterson, Bradley Yost.
Application Number | 20200158955 16/151992 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69902683 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200158955 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beranek; Mark ; et
al. |
May 21, 2020 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLING A FIBER OPTIC SPLICE
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
Beranek; Mark; (Hollywood,
MD) ; Peterson; Nicholas; (Minneapolis, MN) ;
Yost; Bradley; (Mechanicsville, MD) ; Block;
Michael; (St. Leonard, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the
Navy |
Patuxent River |
MD |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69902683 |
Appl. No.: |
16/151992 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/2555 20130101;
G02B 6/2553 20130101; B29C 35/0805 20130101; B29C 2035/0827
20130101; G02B 6/2551 20130101; G02B 6/25 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/255 20060101
G02B006/255 |
Goverment Interests
STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST
[0001] The invention described herein may be manufactured and used
by or for the Government of the United States of America for
governmental purposes without payment of any royalties thereon or
therefor.
Claims
1. An apparatus for splicing an optical fiber, the apparatus
comprising: a first clamp movably secured to a casing, wherein the
first clamp retains a first optical fiber end and wherein the first
clamp moves along a first plane; a second clamp movably secured to
the casing, wherein the second clamp retains a second optical fiber
end and wherein the second clamp moves along the first plane; a
curing chamber secured to the casing, wherein the curing chamber is
situated between the first clamp and the second clamp on the first
plane and wherein the curing chamber retains a capillary tube;
wherein the casing comprises a microcontroller and a plurality of
motors, wherein the plurality of motors move the first clamp and
the second clamp based on one or more signals from the
microcontroller.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first strain
gauge attached to the first clamp, wherein the first strain gauge
measures a force applied to the first optical fiber end.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a second strain
gauge attached to the second clamp, wherein the second strain gauge
measures a force applied to the second optical fiber end.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the curing chamber comprises:
an elastomeric tube, wherein the elastomeric tube is holds the
capillary tube; and an ultra violet light for curing a resin in the
capillary tube.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the elastomeric tube comprises
two ends, an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the outer wall
has a uniform diameter, wherein the inner wall at each of the two
ends has a tapered frustoconical shape, such that the diameter of
the inner wall between the tapered frustoconical shapes is sized
based on an outside diameter of the capillary tube.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the curing chamber comprises
an ultraviolet light.
7. A method of splicing optical fiber, the method comprising:
preparing a first optical fiber end and a second optical fiber end;
in response to a used interaction with an actuator, inserting, by a
first motor assembly, the first prepared optical fiber end a first
distance into a capillary, wherein the capillary comprises a resin;
inserting, by a second motor assembly, the second prepared optical
fiber end a second distance into the capillary; moving, by the
first motor assembly, the first prepared optical fiber end a third
distance in the capillary wherein the third distance is determined,
at least in part, by a force measurement; and activating an
ultraviolet light, such that the ultraviolet light cures the
resin.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein preparing the first optical fiber
end comprises: removing a portion of a first protective coating
from the first optical fiber end exposing a first bare optical
fiber portion; placing a first metal sleeve over at least a portion
of the first bare optical fiber; and inserting the first optical
fiber end into a first clamp of a splicing apparatus, such that the
first bare optical fiber portion is positioned toward a curing
chamber of the splicing apparatus.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein preparing the second optical
fiber end comprises: removing a portion of a second protective
coating from the second optical fiber end exposing a second bare
optical fiber portion; placing a second metal sleeve over at least
a portion of the second bare optical fiber; and inserting the
second optical fiber end into a second clamp of the splicing
apparatus, such that the second bare optical fiber portion is
positioned toward the curing chamber of the splicing apparatus.
10. The method of claim 7, wherein the first distance is determined
by a first measured strain applied to the first optical fiber end,
wherein the second distance is determined by a second measured
strain applied to the second optical fiber end, and wherein the
third distance is determined by a third measured strain applied to
the first optical fiber end.
11. The method of claim 7, wherein preparing the first optical
fiber and the second optical fiber comprises: polishing the first
optical fiber end and placing a first metal sleeve over a portion
of the first optical fiber; polishing the second optical fiber and
placing a second metal sleeve over a portion of the second optical
fiber; inserting the first optical fiber end into a first clamp of
a splicing apparatus, such that the first optical fiber end is
positioned toward a curing chamber of the splicing apparatus; and
inserting the second optical fiber end into a second clamp of the
splicing apparatus, such that the second optical fiber end is
positioned toward the curing chamber of the splicing apparatus.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0002] Optical fiber is a flexible, transparent fiber made of
silica or plastic. Optical fiber has become a valuable component of
electronic devices, as it permits for longer transmission distances
and higher bandwidth than cable wires. Despite the many benefits of
optical fiber, one of the main drawbacks is the fragility of the
fiber, as compared to cable wires. Optical fiber can be used in a
number of applications, including as a medium for telecommunication
and computer networking, sensor applications, and power
transmission. As the number of applications increase, there is a
growing demand for mechanisms of repairing optical fiber. Existing
mechanisms for repairing optical fiber include fusion splicing and
mechanical splicing.
[0003] Fusion splicing is the act of joining two optical fibers
end-to-end using heat (e.g., electric arc, laser, gas flame, etc.).
One goal of fusion splicing is to fuse the two fibers together in
such a way that light passing through the fibers is not scattered
or reflected back by the splice. Another goal of fusion splicing is
to create a splice and surrounding region that are almost as strong
as the original fiber itself. Fusion splicing is a widely accepted
form of repairing optical fiber; however, fusion splicing cannot be
used in many situations. In applications that are sensitive to
heat, such as environments with electronic components, fusion
splicing may not be a viable option. Fusion splicing can also be
problematic in explosive environments. For example, a fueled
aircraft could have an increased chance of explosion due to
combustible fumes in the vicinity of the splice.
[0004] Existing mechanisms for mechanical fiber splices are
designed to be quicker and easier to install than fusion splicing;
but, there is still the need for stripping, careful cleaning and
precision cleaving of the optical fibers. The fiber ends are
aligned and held together by a sleeve, often using a clear
index-matching material that enhances the transmission of light
across the joint. Such joints typically have higher optical loss
and are less robust than fusion splices, especially where imperfect
contact is made between the two optical fiber ends within the
resin.
SUMMARY
[0005] In general, in one aspect, an apparatus for splicing an
optical fiber, the apparatus comprising: a first clamp movably
secured to a casing, wherein the first clamp retains a first
optical fiber end and wherein the first clamp moves along a first
plane; a second clamp movably secured to the casing, wherein the
second clamp retains a second optical fiber end and wherein the
second clamp moves along the first plane; a curing chamber secured
to the casing, wherein the curing chamber is situated between the
first clamp and the second clamp on the first plane and wherein the
curing chamber retains a capillary tube; wherein the casing
comprises a microcontroller and a plurality of motors.
[0006] In general, in another aspect, a method of splicing optical
fiber, the method comprising: preparing a first optical fiber end
and a second optical fiber end; in response to a used interaction
with an actuator, inserting, by a first motor assembly, the first
prepared optical fiber end a first distance into a capillary,
wherein the capillary comprises a resin; inserting, by a second
motor assembly, the second prepared optical fiber end a second
distance into the capillary; moving, by the first motor assembly,
the first prepared optical fiber end a third distance in the
capillary wherein the third distance is determined, at least in
part, by a force measurement; and activating an ultraviolet light,
such that the ultraviolet light cures the resin.
[0007] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Other
features and advantages will be apparent from the following
detailed description.
DRAWINGS
[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims, and accompanying
drawings wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the fiber optic splice
apparatus;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a flow chart depicting a method for splicing an
optical fiber;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the elastomeric tube;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a diagram of the optical fiber preparation
sequence;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram of the fiber insertion into the
capillary tube sequence; and
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] An embodiment of the present invention recognizes that
optical fiber is often used in sensitive environments. In some of
these sensitive environments, the use of high temperature--such as
the temperature needed for fusion splicing--can damage components
surrounding the optical fiber. Potential damage from heat creates a
need for mechanical splicing of optical fiber that can be done
quickly and efficiently. Fusion splicing can pose explosive hazards
when used in environments containing combustible fumes. Further, in
some circumstances, certain strength or durability standards must
be met before the repaired optical fiber can be used in an
application. For example, government and aviation standards must be
met for all optical fibers used on in aviation environments. Many
of these standards require a threshold durability and/or
reliability be satisfied prior to the optical fiber being utilized
for optical communications. Therefore, embodiments of the present
invention recognize a need for a means to splice optical fiber
while maintaining the reliability and robustness of the original
fiber.
[0016] In the following description of the present invention,
reference will be made to various embodiments which are not all
inclusive. The current invention can be implemented in various
forms. However, example embodiments of the present invention are
illustrated below and in FIGS. 1 through 6.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a fiber optic splice apparatus.
Fiber optic splice apparatus 100 is an electromechanical device
used to splice two ends of optical fiber. Fiber optic splice
apparatus 100 comprises casing 102, clamps 104a and 104b, motor
assemblies 106a and 106b, curing assembly 108, actuator 110, and
controller 112. In some embodiments, fiber optic splice apparatus
100 may comprise more components. For example, fiber optic splice
apparatus 100 may comprise a power source (not shown).
[0018] Casing 102 houses each of the other components of fiber
optic splice apparatus 100. In various embodiments, the material
and shape of casing 102 may vary greatly. In some embodiments,
casing 102 secures motor assemblies 106a and 106b, actuator 110,
and controller 112 from environmental factors. In some embodiments,
the shape of casing 102 is optimized for mobile use. For example,
the shape of casing 102 may comprise a handle and one or more
ergonomically placed buttons. In many embodiments, casing 102 is
compact to provide portability.
[0019] Clamps 104a and 104b each hold a fiber optic end, which are
to be spliced together. Clamp 104a is situated in a parallel
position to clamp 104b, in the same plane, such that they move
toward and away from each other in a single plane. In some
embodiments, clamps 104a and 104b are mechanical, such that a user
loosens and tightens the clamps to, respectively, remove or secure
the fiber optic ends. In other embodiments, clamps 104a and 104b
are automatic, such that the clamp 104a or 104b loosens and
tightens is response to a signal from controller 112.
[0020] Motor assemblies 106a and 106b are attached to clamps 104a
and 104b, respectively. Motor assemblies 106a and 106b cause clamps
104a and 104b to move laterally in the same plane. Motor assembly
106a and 106b each receive signals from controller 112 in response
to measurements from strain gauges 120a and 120b. Strain gauges
120a and 102b are utilized to measure an initial and terminal
resistance when either motor assembly 106a or 106b are moving.
[0021] Curing assembly 108 comprises an elastomeric tube 114 and an
ultraviolet light assembly. A capillary tube 118 can be removeably
secured within curing assembly 108. Capillary tube 118 is filled
with a resin that hardens when exposed to the light from
ultraviolet light assembly. The elastomeric tube 114 is shaped to
hold capillary tube 118. For example, the inner diameter of
elastomeric tube 114 is sized based on the outer diameter of
capillary tube 118, such that capillary tube 118 is firmly secured
within curing assembly 108. In some embodiments, elastomeric tube
114 is shaped to guide optical fiber ends into capillary tube 118.
For example, the inner wall of each end of elastomeric tube 114 may
have a tapered frustoconical shape, such that the opening of
elastomeric tube 114 is measurably larger than outer diameter of
capillary tube 118. In this example, the inner diameter of
elastomeric tube 114 gradually decreases until the diameter of the
inner wall of elastomeric tube 114 matches that of the outer
diameter of capillary tube 118. FIG. 3, discussed within, describes
the shape of elastomeric tube 114 in more detail.
[0022] In some embodiments, curing assembly 108 contains a
photodetector (not shown). The photodetector measures the intensity
of ultraviolet light from ultraviolet light assembly (not shown).
In some embodiments, the photodetector measurements are used to
determine the length of time ultraviolet light assembly is
activated. In other embodiments, ultraviolet light assembly is
activated for a predetermined length of time. In some embodiments,
the photodetector is used to calibrate ultraviolet light assembly.
For example, the photodetector may be used to determine the
frequency of light being emitted from ultraviolet light assembly.
In another embodiment, the photodetector may be used to ensure that
ultraviolet light is reaching the entire span of capillary tube
118.
[0023] Actuator 110 is used to begin the optical fiber splicing
steps. In some embodiments, actuator 110 is a button or switch
capable of receiving a user interaction and transmitting a signal
to controller 112. In response, controller 112 sends a signal to
move motor assembly 106a and 106b. Controller 112 receives inputs
from strain gauge sensors within motor assembly 106a and 106b.
Controller 112 uses the strain gauge inputs and predefined strain
thresholds to determine when to start and stop motor assemblies
106a and 106b. Controller 112 sends a signal to control the
movement of motor assemblies 106a and 106b. In various embodiments,
controller 112 is a computing device. Controller 112, through a
computing program, operates the movement of motor assemblies 106a
and 106b via actuator 110.
[0024] Turning now to FIG. 2, the method for splicing an optical
fiber is described. One skilled in the art will recognize that
functions described in the block diagram may occur out of the order
noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession
may, if fact, be executed substantially concurrently, depending
upon the functionality involved.
[0025] In step 202, the optical fiber is prepared for splicing.
Optical fiber often comprises a number of coatings surrounding the
silica or plastic fiber. In some embodiments, to fix a broken
optical fiber, the optical fiber is cleaved, leaving a portion of
the fiber exposed with no coatings. The length of the portion of
exposed fiber may vary, based on the preparation. However, in some
embodiments, the length of the cleaved portion should be equal to
half the length of capillary tube 118. This will allow capillary
tube 118 to cover any exposed portion of the two ends of optical
fiber. In other embodiments, the plastic or silica fiber has a
polyimide coating, which are difficult to strip in sensitive
environments as they require hot acid and/or electric arcs or
flames. In these embodiments, the ends of the fiber may be polished
to ensure a clean connection between the two spliced fibers.
[0026] In some embodiments, once each of the optical fiber ends
have been cleaved or polished, a metal sleeve is placed over a
portion of the optical fiber end. In this embodiment, a portion of
the metal sleeve covers a portion of the protective coating as well
as a portion of the exposed optical fiber. The metal sleeve
provides rigidity to improve the robustness of a spliced optical
fiber. The preparation of the optical fiber end is shown in more
detail within, referencing FIG. 4.
[0027] In step 204, the first optical fiber end is inserted into
capillary tube 118. In response to a user engaging actuator 110,
motor assembly 106a moves clamp 104a towards curing assembly 108.
As motor assembly 106a moves clamp 104a, controller 112 receives a
signal from strain gauge 120a, measuring the strain at the end of
the first optical fiber end. In response to a predefined strain
measurement, motor assembly 106a continues to move clamp 104a a
first predefined distance and then stops. The predefined strain
measurement is based on the strain caused by the first optical
fiber end protruding the resin filled capillary tube 118.
[0028] In step 206, the second optical fiber end is inserted into
capillary tube 118. In response to the first motor assembly 106a
stopping in step 204, motor assembly 106b moves clamp 104b towards
curing assembly 108. As motor assembly 106b moves clamp 104b,
controller 112 receives a signal from the strain gauge 120b,
measuring the strain at the end of the second optical fiber end. In
response to a predefined strain measurement, motor assembly 106b
continues to move clamp 104b a predefined distance and then stops.
The predefined strain measurement is caused by the second optical
fiber end protruding the resin filled capillary tube 118. The
predefined distance is equal to half the length of capillary tube
118.
[0029] In step 208, the first optical fiber end is further inserted
into capillary tube 118, causing a connection between the first
optical fiber end and the second optical fiber end. In response to
the second motor assembly 106b stopping in step 208, motor assembly
106a moves clamp 104a toward curing assembly 108. In some
embodiments, motor assembly 106a moves clamp 104a a predefined
distance. In this embodiment, the predefined distance is equal to
half the length of capillary tube 118 minus the first predefined
distance. In another embodiment, motor assembly 106a moves clamp
104a until a defined strain is measured by the strain gauge. In
this embodiment, the strain is caused by the first optical fiber
end contacting the second optical fiber end within capillary tube
118. A visual representation of one embodiment of steps 204 through
208 is shown in FIG. 5, discussed within.
[0030] In step 210, the UV light is activated to cure the resin in
capillary tube 118. In response to both optical fiber ends being
inserted into capillary tube 118, the UV light is activated. In
some embodiments, the activation is automatic after the completion
of step 208. In other embodiments, the activation is a response to
a user interaction with actuator 110. In some embodiments, the UV
light is activated for a predetermined amount of time. In these
embodiments, the time is calculated based on the curing rate of the
resin in capillary tube 118. In other embodiments, the UV light is
activated until the light intensity monitor measures a
predetermined value. For example, while the resin is uncured it
allows a certain percentage of light to pass through; whereas, when
the resin is cured a different percentage of light is able to pass
through. In this example, the UV light is activated until the cured
resin light measurement is measured by the intensity monitor.
[0031] In step 212, the spliced optical fiber is removed from the
apparatus. In some embodiments, the user must manually release the
optical fibers from clamps 104a and 104b. In other embodiments,
clamps 104a and 104b automatically release the optical fibers in
response to the UV light being inactivated.
[0032] Turning now to FIG. 3, a diagram depicting the elastomeric
tube is provided. Elastomeric tube 114 houses capillary tube 118.
Elastomeric tube 114 is sized to securely hold capillary tube 118.
For example, the inside diameter of elastomeric tube 114 is sized
to match that of the outside diameter of capillary tube 118. In
some embodiments, elastomeric tube 114 has notches at each end,
which may prevent capillary tube 118 from moving laterally within
curing assembly 108. As seen in the diagram, elastomeric tube 114
has an inner wall that is tapered at each end and has a
frustoconical shape from the tapered end to the opening of
capillary tube 118. In some embodiments, the frustoconical shape
and the notch are created by an endcap, which is inserted into
elastomeric tube 114. In other embodiments, the frustoconical shape
is integrated into elastomeric tube 114 during manufacture. In some
embodiments, the frustoconical shape acts as a guide to the optical
fiber. For example, should the optical fiber hit the inner wall of
elastomeric tube 114 upon insertion (e.g., step 204, step 206, or
step 208), the shape of the wall will act as a guide towards the
capillary tube 118. The frustoconical shape prevents the optical
fiber from hitting a blunt sidewall, lessening the chances of
damaging the optical fiber end.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting an embodiment of the optical
fiber preparation sequence. Step 402 depicts an embodiment of an
optical fiber end prior to preparation. Step 404 depicts an
embodiment of the optical fiber end after the protective coating
has been removed from a portion the optical fiber end. Step 406
depicts an embodiment of the optical fiber with the metal casing
applied.
[0034] FIG. 5 depicts the sequence for inserting the optical fibers
into the capillary tube. Step 504 shows the first optical fiber
after it has been inserted a first distance into capillary tube
118. The insertion of the optical fiber in step 504 creates a
damming effect, allowing the resin in capillary tube 118 to seep
out in a reproducible manner. Step 504 is the result of step 204.
Step 506 shows the second optical fiber inserted into capillary
tube 118. Step 506 is the result of step 206. Step 508 depicts the
optical fibers after the first optical fiber has been inserted into
capillary tube 118 a second distance. Step 508 is a result of step
208. The damming effect created in step 504 allows resin, displaced
by the optical fiber to seep back toward the opening of capillary
tube 118. The advantage of following steps in FIG. 5, as depicted,
is lessening the chance of air bubbles forming between the two
optical fibers in capillary tube 118. The three step process of
inserting the optical fiber ends into capillary tube 118 allows the
excess resin to seep out, in a reproducible manner, during step
208. As a result, there is a cleaner connection between the two
optical fiber ends.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention. As shown clamps 104a and 104b
hold the optical fiber ends. The ends have been prepared with the
metal sleeve, leaving the end portion free of any coatings.
Elastomeric tube 114 is held in place by an elastomeric tube
holder. Further, capillary tube 118 is held within elastomeric tube
114. Clamps 104a and 104b slide towards and away from elastomeric
tube 114, allowing the optical fiber ends to be inserted into
capillary tube 118 for splicing.
[0036] The above description is that of current embodiments of the
invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without
departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *