An explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable and its preparation method

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of optical cable technology, specifically an explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable and its preparation method. It includes a threaded steel pipe, with optical fibers embedded inside. The optical fibers are wrapped with water-blocking yarns of different colors. The threaded steel pipe is externally fitted with interlocking armor, and an inner sheath is fitted over the interlocking armor. A high-strength, flame-retardant, lightweight carbon fiber strip is fitted over the outer side of the inner sheath, and an outer sheath is fitted over the high-strength, flame-retardant, lightweight carbon fiber strip. Two optical fiber sensing strips are symmetrically arranged between the inner sheath and the high-strength, flame-retardant, lightweight carbon fiber strip. This invention provides a composite optical cable with high toughness, excellent bending resistance, strong impact resistance, and sensing capabilities. It can operate stably in complex battlefield environments and is suitable for long-distance and short-distance transmission in complex outdoor environments, as well as for power transmission and grounding applications.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of optical cable technology, specifically an explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable is an optical cable product that integrates multiple functions. It combines explosion-proof, composite transmission and sensing capabilities, and is widely used in occasions that require high safety and complex signal transmission.

[0003] A patent with publication number CN117894514A discloses a marine optoelectronic composite cable with shape sensing capability. The marine optoelectronic composite cable has a cylindrical solid or hollow cross-section and, from the inside out, comprises: a conductor, an insulator, a filler, a shaped optical cable, a steel wire layer, and an outer protective layer. The conductor serves as an electrical transmission medium, providing electrical signals and transmission. The shaped optical cable is arranged within the filler inside the steel wire layer, in close contact with the filler without slippage. The shaped optical cable can extend within the filler, connecting the extended length from front to back. This invention, by embedding the shaped optical cable into the optoelectronic composite cable, enables the marine optoelectronic composite cable to have shape measurement capabilities. The structure is simple and does not affect the original resource transmission capability of the marine optoelectronic composite cable.

[0004] The above-mentioned solution still has some problems in practical application. In complex battlefield environments, the stable transmission of composite signals of optical cables is easily interrupted and severely damaged due to factors such as explosion impact and bending.

[0005] Therefore, this invention provides a device that is reasonably designed, tough, has excellent bending resistance, strong impact resistance, and sensing capabilities. It can operate stably in complex battlefield environments and is suitable for long-distance and short-distance transmission, as well as power transmission and grounding applications in complex outdoor environments. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, at least one technical problem raised in the background art is solved.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: the explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable of the present invention includes a threaded steel pipe, wherein an optical fiber is arranged inside the threaded steel pipe, and the optical fiber is wrapped with water-blocking yarn of different colors.

[0008] The threaded steel pipe is provided with an interlocking armor on the outside. The interlocking armor is a spiral armor that is adapted to the outer wall of the threaded steel pipe. An inner protective sleeve is provided on the outside of the interlocking armor.

[0009] The outer side of the inner sheath is fitted with a high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip, and the outer sheath is provided on the outside of the high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip.

[0010] An explosion-proof filler fiber ball is placed between the inner sheath and the high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber belt;

[0011] Two fiber optic sensing strips are symmetrically arranged between the inner sheath and the high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip.

[0012] Preferably, the threaded steel pipe is made by flattening stainless steel wire, then winding the flattened stainless steel wire through a spiral die to form a threaded structure.

[0013] Preferably, the inner sheath is adapted to the outer spiral shape of the interlocking armor, and the outer surface of the inner sheath is corrugated, and the inner sheath is made of soft nylon material.

[0014] Preferably, the explosion-proof filling fiber ball is composed of several fiber balls connected by fiber yarn, and the interval between two adjacent fiber balls is 5cm.

[0015] Preferably, flame-retardant inner sheaths are provided on both sides of the inner sheath, and nylon tight-buffered optical fibers are provided inside both flame-retardant inner sheaths. An electrical unit is provided inside one of the flame-retardant inner sheaths, and aluminum-clad steel wire is provided inside the other flame-retardant inner sheath.

[0016] A method for preparing an explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable specifically includes the following steps:

[0017] After the stainless steel wire is flattened, it is wound into a spiral shape through a spiral die to form a spiral steel pipe structure. The optical fiber is actively wrapped and distinguished inside the spiral steel pipe using water-blocking yarn of different colors.

[0018] An interlocking armor is added to the outside of the threaded steel pipe. The armor is a spiral armor. After the interlocking armor is produced, a soft nylon inner sheath is used on the outside of the interlocking armor. During the production process, the appearance of the inner sheath will follow the spiral shape of the outside of the interlocking armor to form the appearance of the sheath. The appearance of the sheath is wavy.

[0019] Two flame-retardant inner sheaths are added to both sides of the inner sheath, and nylon tight-buffered optical fiber, electrical unit, and aluminum-clad steel wire are added inside the two inner sheaths respectively.

[0020] An explosion-proof filling fiber ball is added inside the inner sheath. It is composed of several fiber balls connected by fiber yarn, and the interval between two adjacent fiber balls is 5cm. The filling fiber ball is put into the optical cable by controlling the tension and speed using an active cable feeding device.

[0021] Two parallel fiber optic sensing bands are added inside the inner sheath. One is used to sense surrounding signals, transmit the sensed signals to the fiber optic cable using the sensor, and use the fiber optic cable for information transmission and collection. The other is used to sense surrounding pressure waves and magnetic field vibrations to detect the surrounding battlefield environment.

[0022] The inner sheath is made of high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip, and an outer sheath is made of high-strength nylon flame-retardant sheath.

[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0024] 1. The explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable and its preparation method described in this invention take into account the complexity and uncertainty of the battlefield environment, and combine the factors such as explosions, compression, and heavy impacts that may occur in the battlefield environment. An explosion-proof filling fiber ball is added inside the high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip. The explosion-proof filling fiber ball is a fiber ball cluster spaced 5cm apart, and each fiber ball cluster is connected by fiber yarn. In actual production, an active wire feeding device is used to put the filling fiber ball into the optical cable by controlling the tension and speed. The filling fiber ball is to ensure that when an explosion occurs within 5-10 meters, the explosion pressure wave generated by the explosion will cause the filling fiber ball to burst open inside, thereby filling the internal space and playing the most important buffering role, absorbing part of the explosion pressure wave, and thus ensuring the stable transmission of optical cable signals.

[0025] 2. The explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable and its preparation method described in this invention include an interlocking armor design added to the outside of the threaded steel pipe, and the armoring method is also a spiral armor. The material used is aluminum alloy. The interlocking armor has excellent bending resistance and strong impact resistance. After the interlocking armor is produced, a soft nylon inner sheath is used on its outside. During the production process, the appearance of the inner sheath will also form a sheath appearance with the spiral shape of the outside of the interlocking armor. The sheath appearance is corrugated, and this shape also has a certain impact resistance and bending resistance.

[0026] 3. The explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable and its preparation method described in this invention add two flame-retardant inner sheaths on both sides of the inner sheath, and add nylon tight-buffered optical fiber, electrical unit, and aluminum-clad steel inside the two flame-retardant inner sheaths respectively, forming a composite product. The purpose of the nylon tight-buffered optical fiber is to transmit optical signals. At the same time, the addition of electrical unit can also transmit electricity. The addition of aluminum-clad steel is also to meet the needs of grounding wire. Especially in complex battlefield environments, there is an urgent need for composite products with rapid access. In actual production, this composite design focuses on controlling the flame retardancy, flame suppression, and bending resistance of the flame-retardant inner sheath, maximizing the composite use of the product.

[0027] 4. The explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable and its preparation method described in this invention include two optical fiber sensing strips symmetrically arranged between the inner sheath and the high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip. The internal structure of the inner sheath is designed to utilize sensing technology for signal and magnetic field sensing around the battlefield. Two parallel optical fiber sensing strips are added: one for sensing surrounding signals, transmitting the sensed signals to the optical fiber via a sensor, and using the optical fiber for information transmission and collection; the other for sensing surrounding pressure waves and magnetic field vibrations. This design is intended for reconnaissance of the surrounding battlefield environment.

[0028] 5. The explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable and its preparation method described in this invention feature a high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber tape. The design aims to prevent combustion damage to the optical cable caused by an explosion. This material is lightweight, reducing the overall weight of the optical cable, and also possesses excellent strength, preventing easy breakage due to an explosion. This is an effective measure to ensure the integrity of the sheath. The outer sheath 1 is made of a high-strength nylon flame-retardant sheath, which can withstand the damage of explosives and is a very good protective material.

[0029] 6. The explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable and its preparation method described in this invention provide a reasonably designed, tough, highly resistant to bending and impact, sensing-enabled optical cable that can operate stably in complex battlefield environments and is suitable for long-distance and short-distance transmission in complex outdoor environments, as well as for power transmission and grounding applications. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a method for preparing an explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable according to the present invention;

[0033] In the diagram: 1. Outer sheath; 2. High-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber tape; 3. Explosion-proof filling fiber ball; 4. Inner sheath; 5. Interlocking armor; 6. Threaded steel pipe; 7. Water-blocking yarn wrapping; 8. Optical fiber; 9. Aluminum-clad steel wire; 10. Nylon tight-buffered optical fiber; 11. Flame-retardant inner sheath; 12. Electrical unit; 13. Optical fiber sensing tape. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this invention easier to understand, the invention will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown in the embodiment of the present invention, an explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable includes a threaded steel pipe 6, an optical fiber 8 is disposed inside the threaded steel pipe 6, and water-blocking yarns of different colors are wrapped around the outside of the optical fiber 8.

[0037] The threaded steel pipe 6 is provided with an interlocking armor 5 on its outside. The interlocking armor 5 is a spiral armor that is adapted to the outer wall of the threaded steel pipe 6. An inner sheath 4 is fitted on the outside of the interlocking armor 5. The optical cable also has an interlocking armor 5 on the outside of the threaded steel pipe 6. The armor is also spiral armor. The material used is aluminum alloy. The interlocking armor has excellent bending resistance and strong impact resistance. After the interlocking armor is produced, a soft nylon inner sheath 4 is used on its outside. During the production process, the appearance of the inner sheath 4 will also form a sheath appearance with the spiral shape of the interlocking armor. The sheath appearance is corrugated. This shape also has a certain impact resistance and a certain bending resistance.

[0038] The inner sheath 4 is covered with a high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip 2, and the outer sheath 1 is provided on the outside of the high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip 2. The high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip 2 is designed to prevent the optical cable from being damaged by combustion caused by an explosion. This material is lightweight, reducing the overall weight of the optical cable, and also has excellent strength, so it will not easily break due to an explosion. It is an effective measure to ensure the integrity of the sheath. The outer sheath 1 is made of a high-strength nylon flame-retardant sheath, which can withstand the damage of explosives and is a good protective material.

[0039] An explosion-proof filling fiber ball 3 is provided between the inner sheath 4 and the high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip 2;

[0040] Two fiber optic sensing strips 13 are symmetrically arranged between the inner sheath 4 and the high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip 2. The internal structure of the inner sheath 4 was designed to utilize sensing technology for signal and magnetic field perception around the battlefield. Based on this, two parallel fiber optic sensing strips 13 were added. One is for sensing surrounding signals, transmitting the sensed signals to the optical fiber via a sensor, and using the optical fiber for information transmission and collection. The other is for sensing surrounding pressure waves and magnetic field vibrations. This design is for reconnaissance of the surrounding battlefield environment.

[0041] The threaded steel pipe 6 is made by flattening stainless steel wire, then winding the flattened stainless steel wire through a spiral die to form a threaded structure. This structure has excellent bending resistance, good flexibility, and can be repeatedly bent.

[0042] The inner sheath 4 is adapted to the outer spiral shape of the interlocking armor 5, and the outer surface of the inner sheath 4 is corrugated. The inner sheath 4 is made of soft nylon material.

[0043] Specifically, the corrugated appearance of the outer surface of the inner sheath 4 provides it with a certain impact resistance and a certain degree of bending resistance.

[0044] The explosion-proof filling fiber ball 3 is composed of several fiber balls connected by fiber yarn, and the interval between two adjacent fiber balls is 5cm.

[0045] Specifically, considering the complexity and uncertainty of the battlefield environment, and taking into account factors such as explosions, compression, and heavy impacts that may occur in the battlefield environment, an explosion-proof filling fiber ball 3 is added inside the high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip 2. This explosion-proof filling fiber ball 3 consists of a fiber ball cluster spaced 5 cm apart, with each fiber ball cluster connected by fiber yarn. In actual production, an active wire feeding device is used to insert the filling fiber balls into the optical cable by controlling the tension and speed. The purpose of this filling fiber ball is to ensure that when an explosion occurs within 5-10 meters, the explosion pressure wave generated by the explosion will cause the filling fiber ball to burst open inside, thereby filling the internal space and playing the most important buffering role, absorbing part of the explosion pressure wave, and thus ensuring the stable transmission of the optical cable signal.

[0046] Flame-retardant inner sheaths 11 are provided on both sides of the inner sheath 4. Nylon tight-buffered optical fibers 10 are provided inside both flame-retardant inner sheaths 11. An electrical unit 12 is provided inside one of the flame-retardant inner sheaths 11, and an aluminum-clad steel wire 9 is provided inside the other flame-retardant inner sheath 11.

[0047] Specifically, in actual production, two flame-retardant inner sheaths 11 were added to both sides of the inner sheath 4. Nylon tight-buffered optical fiber 10, electrical unit 12, and aluminum-clad steel 9 were added inside the two flame-retardant inner sheaths 11, forming a composite product. The purpose of the nylon tight-buffered optical fiber 10 is to transmit optical signals. At the same time, the addition of the electrical unit can also transmit electricity. The addition of aluminum-clad steel 9 is also to meet the needs of grounding wires. Especially in complex battlefield environments, there is an urgent need for composite products with rapid access. In actual production, this composite design focuses on controlling the flame retardancy, flame suppression, and bending resistance of the flame-retardant inner sheath, maximizing the composite use of the product.

[0048] Example 2

[0049] Compared with Embodiment 1, another embodiment of the present invention is as follows:

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, a method for preparing an explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable specifically includes the following steps:

[0051] After the stainless steel wire is flattened, it is wound into a spiral shape through a spiral die to form a threaded steel pipe 6. The optical fiber 8 is actively wrapped and distinguished inside the threaded steel pipe 6 using water-blocking yarn of different colors.

[0052] An interlocking armor 5 is added to the outside of the threaded steel pipe 6. The armor is a spiral armor. After the interlocking armor is produced, a soft nylon inner sleeve 4 is used on the outside of the interlocking armor 5. During the production process, the appearance of the inner sleeve 4 will form a sleeve appearance with the spiral shape of the outside of the interlocking armor 5. The sleeve appearance is wavy.

[0053] Two flame-retardant inner sheaths 11 are added to both sides of the inner sheath 4, and nylon tight-fitting optical fiber 10, electrical unit 12, and aluminum-clad steel 9 are added to the inside of the two inner sheaths 4 respectively.

[0054] An explosion-proof filling fiber ball 3 is added inside the inner sheath 4. It is composed of several fiber balls connected by fiber yarn, and the interval between two adjacent fiber balls is 5cm. The filling fiber ball is put into the optical cable by controlling the tension and speed using an active cable feeding device.

[0055] Two parallel fiber optic sensing strips 13 are added inside the inner sheath 4. One is used to sense the surrounding signals, transmit the sensed signals to the fiber optic cable using the sensor, and use the fiber optic cable for information transmission and collection. The other is used to sense the surrounding pressure waves and magnetic field vibrations and to detect the surrounding battlefield environment.

[0056] The inner sheath 4 is made of high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip 2, while the outer sheath 1 is made of a high-strength nylon flame-retardant sheath.

[0057] This invention employs an explosion-proof composite optical cable design that effectively solves problems such as poor stability, insufficient tensile strength, and transmission interruption due to the surrounding battlefield environment in complex battlefield environments. Internally, it utilizes a threaded steel pipe (6), interlocking armor (5), and nylon inner sheath (4) design, fully guaranteeing the product's high impact resistance and ensuring stable transmission of the optical fiber (8) internally, unaffected by external factors. The optical fiber (8) can be made of bend-resistant, ultra-low-loss G657B3 optical fiber. Externally, two flame-retardant inner sheaths are added on both sides, each containing a tightly fitted nylon optical fiber. The left sheath contains an electrical unit, and the right sheath contains... The sheath features an internal aluminum-clad steel wire grounding design. The external structure also incorporates explosion-proof and shock-absorbing fiber spheres. These spheres are designed to rapidly burst open and fill the area with fiber yarn in the event of an explosion, increasing internal cushioning and absorbing some of the impact. Furthermore, a flexible sensing strip has been added, primarily for detecting changes in surrounding signals and the environment. The outermost layer is designed with a high-strength, flame-retardant, lightweight carbon fiber strip and a high-toughness, high-strength nylon composite flame-retardant outer sheath, ensuring stable performance even under the complex conditions of battlefield environments, including combustion and bending. This composite optical cable presents a promising future for complex outdoor access environments on the battlefield and is highly beneficial for its widespread adoption in China.

[0058] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable, characterized in that: The system includes a threaded steel pipe (6), the inside of which is provided with an optical fiber (8), and the outside of which is provided with water-blocking yarn of different colors (7). The threaded steel pipe (6) is provided with an interlocking armor (5) on its outside. The interlocking armor (5) is a spiral armor that is adapted to the outer wall of the threaded steel pipe (6). The interlocking armor (5) is covered with an inner sheath (4). The outer side of the inner sheath (4) is fitted with a high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip (2), and the outer side of the high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip (2) is provided with an outer sheath (1). An explosion-proof filling fiber ball (3) is provided between the inner sheath (4) and the high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip (2); the explosion-proof filling fiber ball (3) is composed of several fiber balls connected by fiber yarn, and the interval between two adjacent fiber balls is 5cm. Using an active wire feeding device, the filling fiber ball is placed inside the optical cable by controlling the tension and speed. The explosion pressure wave generated by the explosion will cause the fiber ball to burst open inside the optical cable, thereby filling the internal space of the optical cable and playing a buffering role, absorbing part of the explosion pressure wave. Two optical fiber sensing strips (13) are symmetrically arranged between the inner sheath (4) and the high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip (2).

2. The explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that: The threaded steel pipe (6) is made by flattening stainless steel wire, then winding the flattened stainless steel wire through a spiral mold to form a threaded structure.

3. The explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner sheath (4) is adapted to the outer spiral shape of the interlocking armor (5), and the outer surface of the inner sheath (4) is corrugated. The inner sheath (4) is made of soft nylon material.

4. The explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that: Flame-retardant inner sheaths (11) are provided on both sides of the inner sheath (4). Nylon tight-buffered optical fibers (10) are provided inside both flame-retardant inner sheaths (11). An electrical unit (12) is provided inside one of the flame-retardant inner sheaths (11), and an aluminum-clad steel wire (9) is provided inside the other flame-retardant inner sheath (11).

5. The method for preparing an explosion-proof composite sensing optical cable according to claim 1, characterized in that, Specifically, the following steps are included: After the stainless steel wire is flattened, it is wound into a spiral shape by a spiral mold to form a threaded steel pipe (6) structure. The optical fiber (8) is actively wrapped and distinguished inside the threaded steel pipe (6) using water-blocking yarn of different colors. An interlocking armor (5) is added to the outside of the threaded steel pipe (6). The armor is a spiral armor. After the interlocking armor (5) is produced, a soft nylon inner sleeve (4) is used on the outside of the interlocking armor (5). During the production process, the appearance of the inner sleeve (4) will form a sleeve appearance with the spiral shape of the outside of the interlocking armor (5). The appearance of the sleeve is wavy. Two flame-retardant inner sheaths (11) are added to both sides of the inner sheath (4), and nylon tight-buffered optical fiber (10), electrical unit (12), and aluminum-clad steel wire (9) are added to the inside of the two inner sheaths (4). An explosion-proof filling fiber ball (3) is added inside the inner sheath (4). It is composed of several fiber balls connected by fiber yarn, and the interval between two adjacent fiber balls is 5cm. The explosion-proof filling fiber ball (3) is put into the optical cable by controlling the tension and speed using an active cable feeding device. Two parallel fiber optic sensing strips (13) are added inside the inner sheath (4). One fiber optic sensing strip (13) is used to sense the surrounding signals and transmit the sensed signals to the fiber optic (8) using the sensor. The fiber optic (8) is used for information transmission and collection. The other fiber optic sensing strip (13) is used to sense the surrounding pressure waves and magnetic field vibrations and to detect the surrounding battlefield environment. The inner sheath (4) is made of high-strength flame-retardant lightweight carbon fiber strip (2), and the carbon fiber strip (2) is covered with an outer sheath (1). The outer sheath (1) is made of nylon flame-retardant sheath.

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