Flexible optical fiber ribbon cable based on distribution value k optimization and water-blocking yarn arrangement method thereof

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of optical communication transmission technology and discloses a flexible optical fiber ribbon cable based on distribution value optimization and its water-blocking yarn arrangement method. The method includes: Step 1, constructing a calculation model for the water seepage length of the optical cable, and simultaneously using an optimization formula to quantitatively evaluate the uniformity of the water-blocking yarn distribution within the sleeve cross-section; Step 2, combining the above calculation model and the water-blocking yarn distribution calculation formula, determining the selection of water-blocking yarn under the condition of meeting the required water seepage length, and deducing the number of water-blocking yarn strands used in each sleeve, thus completing the water-blocking yarn arrangement operation accordingly. This invention also discloses a corresponding flexible optical fiber ribbon cable product. Compared with existing technologies, this invention can more accurately guide the selection and arrangement process of water-blocking yarn, thereby manufacturing a fully dry flexible optical fiber ribbon cable product with superior water-blocking performance, while also possessing the advantages of low attenuation and low cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of optical communication transmission technology, and more specifically, relates to a method based on distributed values. Optimized flexible optical fiber ribbon cable and its water-blocking yarn arrangement method. Background Technology

[0002] Flexible fiber ribbon cables are designed specifically for dynamic or confined spaces. They combine high bending performance with a ribbon fiber structure, making them suitable for scenarios requiring frequency bending or mechanical stress. Due to their high fiber density and compact structure, they have gained widespread application.

[0003] Water-blocking performance is a key indicator for flexible fiber optic ribbon cables. Water can cause water peak attenuation in optical fibers and can also lead to fiber breakage through penetration corrosion, posing potential dangers to communication systems and even causing service interruptions. Based on their water-blocking methods, existing products can be divided into filled fiber optic ribbon cables and fully dry fiber optic ribbon cables. Filled fiber optic ribbon cables use grease to fill the loose tubes to achieve water blocking. However, during cable laying, when connecting filled fiber optic ribbon cables, the grease at the connection point needs to be removed, which is difficult and reduces laying efficiency. Fully dry fiber optic ribbon cables, on the other hand, use a water-blocking layer to block water, eliminating the need to remove grease during laying, thus resulting in higher laying efficiency.

[0004] In existing technologies, such as Figure 2 As illustrated in the example, the structure of an all-dry fiber ribbon cable generally includes a central reinforcing core 101 arranged concentrically from the inside out, multiple fiber units distributed around the central reinforcing core, such as an aluminum armor 104, and an outermost outer sheath 105. Each fiber unit includes a sleeve 103 and multiple optical fibers 102 centrally placed within it. A conventional water-blocking method involves placing water-blocking yarn inside the sleeve 103 containing the optical fibers. This yarn rapidly expands and absorbs water upon contact, thus preventing further water penetration and migration. Alternatively, a water-blocking strip can be installed inside the armor 104.

[0005] However, further research has shown that the aforementioned existing technologies still have the following defects or shortcomings:

[0006] First, these water-blocking solutions mainly rely on increasing the amount of water-blocking yarn or selecting high-expansion materials. To avoid water-blocking failure, excessive amounts of water-blocking yarn are usually used, which not only increases material costs but may also increase the transmission attenuation of optical fibers due to yarn aggregation, affecting the overall performance of the optical cable.

[0007] Secondly, in the process of arranging the water-blocking yarn, this type of water-blocking scheme lacks an effective quantitative evaluation index for the uniformity of the distribution of the water-blocking yarn in the cross-section of the sleeve. The process optimization relies heavily on experience and anatomical observation, which is inefficient and highly subjective.

[0008] Furthermore, the lack of a precise mathematical model linking the structural design of all-dry fiber ribbon cables (such as the gap between the sheath and the optical fiber) with the selection and quantity of water-blocking yarn makes it impossible to accurately predict the water-blocking performance during the structural design stage.

[0009] Finally, considering that the fiber density of flexible fiber ribbon cables is usually very high, using conventional sheathing water-blocking tape can only ensure that water does not seep around the fiber ribbon. The water-blocking gel is difficult to penetrate into the fiber, and the excessively dense fiber inside will create a siphon effect, accelerating the diffusion of water.

[0010] Accordingly, there is an urgent need in this field to conduct research and improvements in order to better solve the above-mentioned technical problems and improve the production quality and cost of all-dry flexible fiber ribbon cables. Summary of the Invention

[0011] To address one or more of the above-mentioned deficiencies or improvement needs of existing technologies, this invention provides a distribution value-based solution. An optimized flexible fiber ribbon cable and its water-blocking yarn arrangement method are proposed. By introducing a quantitative index to evaluate the uniformity of water-blocking yarn distribution, and constructing a calculation model for the water-blocking performance of the optical cable based on this, the method can more accurately guide the selection and arrangement process of water-blocking yarn compared with existing technologies. This results in the manufacture of a fully dry flexible fiber ribbon cable product with superior water-blocking performance, as well as the advantages of low attenuation and low cost.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a distribution value-based method is provided. An optimized method for arranging water-blocking yarn in flexible optical fiber ribbon cables, characterized by the following steps:

[0013] Step 1: Construct a calculation model for the water seepage length of the optical cable:

[0014]

[0015] in, The permeation length of a fully dry flexible fiber optic ribbon cable is the maximum distance that water can penetrate inside the cable under test conditions of 24 hours and 1m water column pressure, expressed in meters. Represents a dimensionless empirical constant; This indicates the inner diameter of each sleeve used to house the optical fiber, in mm. This represents the cross-sectional area of ​​each sleeve after subtracting the optical fiber, in mm. 2 ;also, The fineness of the water-blocking yarn used in each of the aforementioned sleeves is indicated in denier. The expansion ratio of the water-blocking yarn used in each of the aforementioned sleeves is expressed in ml / g; This represents the distribution value of the water-blocking yarn, which reflects the uniformity of the water-blocking yarn distribution within the cross-section of the sleeve, and is calculated using the following formula:

[0016]

[0017] in, This indicates the total number of water-blocking yarns used in each of the aforementioned sleeves; This indicates that the interior of each of the aforementioned sleeves is divided into... After each region, the numbers are sequentially from 1 to... The number of water-blocking yarns used in each area;

[0018] Step 2: Combining the above calculation model and the calculation formula for the distribution value of water-blocking yarn, under the condition of meeting the required seepage length, determine the selection of water-blocking yarn, and deduce the total number of water-blocking yarns used in each of the sleeves and their internal distribution, and complete the arrangement operation of water-blocking yarn accordingly.

[0019] As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the distribution value of the water-blocking yarn... The larger the value, the more evenly the water-blocking yarn is distributed.

[0020] As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the distribution value of the water-blocking yarn satisfies ≥1.5.

[0021] As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the interior of each of the sleeves is divided into 4, 9, or 12 regions, that is... It equals 4, 9, or 12.

[0022] As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the empirical constant Set to 2*10 4 ~8*10 4 .

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, a corresponding flexible optical fiber ribbon cable product is also provided.

[0024] In summary, the technical solutions conceived by this invention have the following main technical advantages compared with the prior art:

[0025] (1) Quantitative design and accurate prediction: This invention introduces a quantitative index for evaluating the uniformity of water-blocking yarn distribution, and on this basis, constructs a calculation model for the water-blocking performance of optical cables. This can more accurately guide the selection and arrangement process of water-blocking yarn, shifting water-blocking design from experience-driven to model-driven, and significantly improving the accuracy and efficiency of water-blocking design.

[0026] (2) Optimized balance between cost and performance: This invention also effectively avoids the blind overuse of water-blocking yarn. While ensuring the performance of flexible optical fiber cable, it effectively reduces material costs and reduces the potential negative impact of excessive water-blocking yarn on optical fiber attenuation. At the same time, by scientifically determining the selection and arrangement of water-blocking yarn, it can also ensure that the expansion volume of water-blocking yarn fills the seepage channels more fully and evenly, and better avoid the risk of local water-blocking failure.

[0027] (3) Quality controllability: The present invention further provides an optimized design for the range of values ​​of water-blocking yarn distribution, providing a clear optimization target for the production process, which is conducive to the stable production of high-quality all-dry flexible optical fiber ribbon cable products. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a process flow diagram of the water-blocking yarn arrangement method for flexible optical fiber ribbon cable according to this application;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a structural cross-sectional view used to demonstrate the existing technology of an all-dry fiber ribbon cable;

[0030] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, wherein:

[0031] 101-Central reinforcing core; 102-Fiber optic cable; 103-Sheath; 104-Armor; 105-Outer sheath layer. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of the present invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0036] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a process flow diagram of the water-blocking yarn arrangement method for flexible optical fiber ribbon cable according to this application, which will be referred to below. Figure 1 To explain the invention in more detail.

[0038] First, a calculation model for the water seepage length of the optical cable is constructed:

[0039]

[0040] in, The permeation length of a fully dry flexible fiber optic ribbon cable is the maximum distance that water can penetrate inside the cable under test conditions of 24 hours and 1m water column pressure, expressed in meters. Represents a dimensionless empirical constant; This indicates the inner diameter of each sleeve used to house the optical fiber, in mm. This represents the cross-sectional area of ​​each sleeve after subtracting the optical fiber, in mm. 2 ;also, The fineness of the water-blocking yarn used in each of the aforementioned sleeves is indicated in denier. The expansion ratio of the water-blocking yarn used in each of the aforementioned sleeves is expressed in ml / g; This represents the distribution value of the water-blocking yarn, which reflects the uniformity of the water-blocking yarn distribution within the cross-section of the sleeve, and is calculated using the following formula:

[0041]

[0042] in, This indicates the total number of water-blocking yarns used in each of the aforementioned sleeves; This indicates that the interior of each of the aforementioned sleeves is divided into... After each region, the numbers are sequentially from 1 to... The number of water-blocking yarns used in each area.

[0043] More specifically, the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the aforementioned sleeves after subtracting the optical fiber. π(D / 2) can be used. 2 The formula is -Nf*af, where Nf represents the number of optical fibers housed in each of the sleeves (dimensionless); af represents the cross-sectional area of ​​a single optical fiber (in mm²). 2 Its standard value can be taken as 0.05 mm. 2 (Calculated based on a single-mode fiber cladding diameter of 0.25 mm).

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned water-blocking yarn distribution value can be theoretically derived as follows: First, the cross-section of the sleeve can be divided into multiple sub-regions with equal area (e.g., 4, 9, or 12). Then, the number of water-blocking yarns in each sub-region is counted, and the reciprocal of the sum of the squared differences between the number of water-blocking yarns in each sub-region and the expected number in each sub-region is calculated. Accordingly, the larger the calculated result, the more uniform the distribution of water-blocking yarns.

[0045] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the distribution value of the water-blocking yarn Preferred satisfaction ≥1.5. Numerous practical tests have shown that the distribution value of the water-blocking yarn is... The larger the value, the more evenly the water-blocking yarn is distributed.

[0046] Next, combining the above calculation model and the calculation formula for the distribution value of water-blocking yarn, under the condition of meeting the required seepage length, the selection of water-blocking yarn is determined, and the number of water-blocking yarns used in each of the sleeves is deduced, and the arrangement operation of water-blocking yarn is completed accordingly.

[0047] More specifically, in order to ensure the final water-blocking performance, the selection and amount of water-blocking yarn can be designed in a coordinated manner in this step. For example, water-blocking yarn with a high expansion ratio can be selected first. Then, combined with the above calculation model and water-blocking yarn distribution value formula, the required number of water-blocking yarns can be deduced.

[0048] The flexible fiber optic cable designed and manufactured in accordance with the above specifications has been verified by standard water penetration tests to have excellent overall waterproof performance. Furthermore, the additional attenuation test results of the cable product meet industry standards, thereby achieving synergistic optimization of water-blocking performance, manufacturing cost, and optical performance.

[0049] It should be noted that, in addition to the attached Figure 2 Beyond the flexible fiber optic cable structure shown, the aforementioned theory and water-blocking yarn distribution calculation model of this invention can also be applied to situations where the outer sheath does not have a central reinforcing core and multiple sleeves. In such cases, the outer sheath contains multiple fiber units, each composed of multiple fibers twisted together. Each fiber unit can be considered as a sleeve in this invention, and the total number of water-blocking yarns used within each fiber unit and their internal distribution can be deduced accordingly, thus completing the arrangement of the water-blocking yarn. Therefore, this typical product structure and other similar conventional structures also constitute some typical applications of this invention.

[0050] In summary, according to the above technical solution of the present invention, by introducing a quantitative index for evaluating the uniformity of water-blocking yarn distribution, and on this basis constructing a calculation model for the water-blocking performance of optical cables, the selection and arrangement process of water-blocking yarn can be more accurately guided compared with the prior art. This results in the manufacture of fully dry flexible optical fiber ribbon cable products with superior water-blocking performance, as well as the advantages of low attenuation and low cost, and has good practical value and application prospects.

[0051] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method based on distribution values The optimized method for arranging water-blocking yarn in flexible optical fiber ribbon cables is characterized by: The method includes the following steps: Step 1: Construct a calculation model for the water seepage length of the optical cable: in, The permeation length of a fully dry flexible fiber optic ribbon cable is the maximum distance that water can penetrate inside the cable under test conditions of 24 hours and 1m water column pressure, expressed in meters. Represents a dimensionless empirical constant; This indicates the inner diameter of each sleeve used to house the optical fiber, in mm. This represents the cross-sectional area of ​​each sleeve after subtracting the optical fiber, in mm. 2 ;also, The fineness of the water-blocking yarn used in each of the aforementioned sleeves is indicated in denier. The expansion ratio of the water-blocking yarn used in each of the aforementioned sleeves is expressed in ml / g; This represents the distribution value of the water-blocking yarn, which reflects the uniformity of the water-blocking yarn distribution within the cross-section of the sleeve, and is calculated using the following formula: in, This indicates the total number of water-blocking yarns used in each of the aforementioned sleeves; This indicates that the interior of each of the aforementioned sleeves is divided into... After each region, the numbers are sequentially from 1 to... The number of water-blocking yarns used in each area; Step 2: Combining the above calculation model and the calculation formula for the distribution value of water-blocking yarn, under the condition of meeting the required seepage length, determine the selection of water-blocking yarn, and deduce the total number of water-blocking yarns used in each of the sleeves and their internal distribution, and complete the arrangement operation of water-blocking yarn accordingly.

2. The method for arranging water-blocking yarn in a flexible optical fiber ribbon cable as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The distribution value of the water-blocking yarn The larger the value, the more evenly the water-blocking yarn is distributed.

3. The method for arranging water-blocking yarn in a flexible optical fiber ribbon cable as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The distribution value of the water-blocking yarn satisfies ≥1.

5.

4. The method for arranging water-blocking yarn in flexible optical fiber ribbon cable as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned sleeves is internally divided into 4, 9, or 12 regions, that is... It equals 4, 9, or 12.

5. The method for arranging water-blocking yarn in a flexible optical fiber ribbon cable as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The empirical constant Set to 2*10 4 ~8*10 4 .

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