Armored Fiber Optic Cable with Annular Metal Rods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic cables face challenges in being adequately armored and insulated for rugged environments while accommodating a high number of optical fibers within a small diameter, particularly in applications like railway settings where they are susceptible to damage.
Innovation Solution
The fiber optic cable design includes a central core made from a thermoplastic material with a protective jacket and an armor layer comprising metal rods in an annular array, along with an outer jacket, allowing for a large number of optical fibers (up to 864) to be housed within a maximum outer diameter of 26.5 millimeters or less, providing both protection and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the cable accommodates a high number of optical fibers, then the fiber capacity increases, but the cable diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing multiple optical fibers within a central core, which is then surrounded by a protective jacket, armor layer, and outer jacket. Each layer is nested within the previous one, allowing high fiber density while maintaining a compact overall cable structure with diameter ≤26.5mm
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a simple linear arrangement to a multi-dimensional layered structure with concentric rings of metal rods in the armor layer and multiple protective layers, efficiently packing 144-864 fibers in three-dimensional space while controlling the external diameter
2Reliability
If the cable is armored for rugged environments, then the protection level increases, but the cable weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials including thermoplastic materials for the central core and protective/outer jackets, combined with metal rods in the armor layer. This composite structure provides rugged environmental protection while managing the overall cable weight through material selection and structural optimization
3Reliability
If the cable is armored for rugged environments, then the protection level increases, but the cable diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin protective jackets made from thermoplastic materials that provide environmental protection without adding significant diameter. The armor layer with metal rods is configured in an annular array that provides structural protection while maintaining a compact cross-sectional profile, keeping the overall cable diameter ≤26.5mm
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber optic cables are provided. A fiber optic cable includes a central core formed from a first thermoplastic material, wherein a central interior is defined within the central core. The fiber optic cable further includes a protective jacket surrounding and in contact with the central core, the protective jacket formed from a second thermoplastic material. The fiber optic cable further includes an armor layer surrounding and in contact with the protective jacket, the armor layer including a plurality of metal rods disposed in an annular array. The fiber optic cable further includes a plurality of optical fibers disposed within the central core.