Fusion fuse machine with high resistance to environmental conditions
Lately, fiber optic cable installation work is shifting from developed countries to BRIC countries and developing countries, where environmental working conditions are harsh and infrastructure is not very advanced.
Therefore, the market needs a fusion splicer capable of maintaining high performance even in demanding environments. To meet this market need, Fujikura has developed a new fusion splicer in the FSM-60 series.
In the BRIC countries and emerging markets, where the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure is experiencing rapid growth, fiber optic splicing is being carried out on a large scale.
With the diversification of fiber optic installation work and the increasing use of fiber optics, the demand for fusion splicers reflects a growing appreciation for functional improvements, such as lightweight design, reduced splicing time, and robust construction for use in harsh environments.
With the diversification of fiber optic installation work and the increasing use of fiber optics, the demand for fusion splicers reflects a growing appreciation for functional improvements, such as lightweight design, reduced splicing time, and robust construction for use in harsh environments.
The FSM-60 series has been developed to meet the need for resistance to shock, dust, and rain.Product Overview
: Figure 1 shows the FSM-60S model.
Table I shows a comparison of the specifications between the single-fiber fusion splicer model and the ribbon-fiber model.
Features
Improved shock resistance
The splicing procedure is performed in an environment ranging from the top of a telephone pole to a basement. As the operator carries, installs, and handles the fusion splicer in these work environments, the device can be bumped and damaged. (Figure 2 and Figure 3).
Installation of elastomer protectors
In the FSM-60 series, elastomer pads have been installed around the unit to increase its impact resistance. Figure 4 shows the elastomer pads.Figure 5 shows a comparison of the impact damping results with and without elastomer pads.
The impact on the fusion splicer can be reduced by half when it is equipped with elastomer pads, compared to the unit without them. However, the elastomer alone is not sufficient to withstand a 76 cm (30 inch) drop (Figure 6). Impact resistance is achieved by reducing the weight of the guide section, as shown in the following section. Figure 7 shows the fusion splicer test results.
Weight reduction in the guide section
The guiding section is the area where impact resistance is most challenging. Since reducing the number of screws is insufficient to increase impact resistance, the internal structure was redesigned to reduce weight. This resulted in a lighter overall unit, and the measure proved effective.This section explains the weight reduction of the focus alignment unit in the core alignment fusion splicer. The focus alignment unit is the system that monitors the image of the optical fiber core and alternates the focus of the fibers within it. In the FSM-60S model, we have achieved a weight reduction of up to 30% compared to conventional models. Figure 8 shows the external view of the focus alignment unit in both a conventional model and the new model.
Figure 14. Internal condition of the gear after the dust test.
Figure 9 shows the camera deviation after a drop from a height of 76 cm. The camera deviation has been reduced to one-fifth compared to conventional models, and the structure has demonstrated its resistance to impacts.
Carrying handle dimensions
In the conventional fusion splicer, as shown in Figure 10, a metal carrying handle was used.However, if the handle were struck by a fall, a micron-sized distortion would occur in the main body. Therefore, in the FSM-60 series, the handle has been changed from metal to fabric. This prevents the impact from being transmitted to the main body.
LCD Screen Measurements:
The LCD monitor is not damaged by a fall, but it can break if it hits an object on the ground. When the liquid crystal display is struck by a protrusion during transport of the fusion splicer, damage occurs. Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, we have installed a 3 mm thick protective film to prevent the monitor from breaking upon impact. Figure 12 shows the results of the film's protection test, which consisted of dropping 500 steel balls from a height of 200 mm. The 3mm protective film was undamaged, demonstrating the improvement in its effectiveness.
Improved dust resistance
The splicing procedure is frequently performed outdoors, exposing the fusion tool to the ingress of sand or dust particles. If these coarse particles adhere to the gear or bearings, errors in the splicing procedure can occur. The FSM-60 series features a structure that prevents the ingress of sand or dust when the wind guard is closed. Figure 13 shows the appearance of the fusion tool after a dust test.
Figure 14 shows images of the gear from the conventional model and the FSM-60 series. Dust and sand ingress has been controlled, compared to the conventional model, by revising the component's structure.
Figure 14 shows images of the gear from the conventional model and the FSM-60 series. Dust and sand ingress has been controlled, compared to the conventional model, by revising the component's structure.
Improved Water Resistance:
The FSM-60 series features an exceptionally water-resistant structure that prevents water from penetrating the inside of the fusion splicer when the wind guard is closed. Figure 15 shows the results of the rain test. It confirms that no water penetrates the unit after withstanding a rainfall force exceeding R=10 mm/h for 10 minutes.
Conclusion
: The new FSM-60 product successfully incorporates improvements in resistance to impact, dust, and rain compared to conventional fusion splicers.
Fujikura Technical Review, 2009
The FSM-60 series features an exceptionally water-resistant structure that prevents water from penetrating the inside of the fusion splicer when the wind guard is closed. Figure 15 shows the results of the rain test. It confirms that no water penetrates the unit after withstanding a rainfall force exceeding R=10 mm/h for 10 minutes.
Conclusion
: The new FSM-60 product successfully incorporates improvements in resistance to impact, dust, and rain compared to conventional fusion splicers.
Fujikura Technical Review, 2009
Telecom Unitronics is the official distributor of Fujikura in Spain.
Authors:
Toshiro Mizushima, Makoto Iwamatsu, Ichiro Yano, and Noriyuki Kawanishi.
Precision Instruments Department, Fiber Optic Components and Systems Division
, FUJIKURA
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