Taut Sheath Splicing ADSS Fiber Optic Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for splicing all-dielectric, self-supporting (ADSS) fiber optic cables are hindered by industry perceptions that require predefined splice locations and additional cable installations, leading to increased costs and reduced flexibility, as traditional taut sheath splicing techniques are not applicable to ADSS cables without converting the splice closure into a structural member and necessitating lashing within the span.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a clamp, bail, and splice closure that allows taut-sheath splicing of ADSS fiber optic cables without predefining splice locations, using a wedge-type clamp and bail assembly to secure the cable and maintain a minimum bend radius, enabling splicing without severing the cable and accommodating multiple drops with reduced material and labor costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ADSS cable is lashed within the span near the splice location, then cable tension can be supported, but installation cost increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric clamp is pre-installed on the ADSS cable at the desired splice location before the actual splicing operation. This preliminary action secures the cable in position and establishes the tension transfer path in advance, eliminating the need for additional lashing operations near the splice point and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the cable support function from the traditional lashing method and consolidates it into the dielectric clamp system. The clamp alone provides both cable securing and tension transfer capabilities, removing the need for separate lashing operations and associated materials.
2Stability of the object's composition
If ADSS cable is lashed within the span near the splice, then cable stability is improved, but installation flexibility and speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the cable securing function and tension transfer function into a single dielectric clamp assembly. This integrated design provides both cable stability and tension support simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate operations (clamping plus lashing) and thereby increasing installation speed while maintaining cable stability.
3Reliability
If a clamp and bail system is used to secure ADSS cable during splicing, then cable tension is properly transferred, but the apparatus complexity increases compared to traditional methods
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric clamp is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: securing the cable, transferring tension, and supporting the splicing closure. The integrated design combines what would traditionally be separate components (clamp, bail, and support structure) into a single multi-functional unit, reducing overall apparatus complexity while maintaining reliable tension transfer.
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 flexible and cost-effective splicing of ADSS fiber optic cables by allowing taut-sheath splicing without predefining splice locations, reducing engineering time and material requirements, while maintaining the benefits of ADSS cable installation, such as faster installation and minimal maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The clamp can comprise a frame having first and second side plates, wherein each of the side plates defines a tapered groove, and first and second wedges are positioned in the side plate grooves
Implementation Method 2
a clamp for clamping a first portion of a first fiber optic cable, a bail for connecting the clamp to a support structure
Data Source
AI summary
A method of splicing a fiber optic cable including applying a clamp to a first portion of a fiber optic cable, using a bail to connect the clamp to a support structure, connecting a splice closure to the bail, connecting an aerial splicing platform to the bail and splicing a second portion of the fiber optic cable to a second fiber optic cable in the splice closure.