Basalt-Containing Optical Fiber Cable for Heat and Fire Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic cables face challenges with high manufacturing costs, insufficient tensile strength, and inadequate temperature resistance, particularly when requiring high temperature resistance and low fire load, due to the use of plastics and materials like Kevlar or glass rovings for strain relief.
Innovation Solution
The use of basalt-containing materials for sheath elements and strain relief units in fiber optic cables, which provide enhanced tensile strength, temperature resistance, and reduced fire load, while minimizing plastic content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastics are used for protective sheath and strain relief, then ease of manufacture is improved, but temperature resistance and fire load performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining basalt fibers with plastic materials to create a hybrid strain relief device. The basalt fiber reinforcement provides high temperature resistance and low fire load while the plastic matrix maintains ease of manufacture and processing. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between manufacturability and temperature performance.
2Strength
If Kevlar or glass rovings are used for strain relief, then tensile strength is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses basalt fiber composites as an alternative to Kevlar or glass rovings. Basalt fibers provide comparable tensile strength to these materials while being more cost-effective and easier to integrate into existing manufacturing processes. The composite structure combines basalt fibers with plastic matrix, achieving high strength without requiring separate material layers or complex assembly procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic materials are used for sheath and strain relief, then ease of manufacture is improved, but fire load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs basalt fiber-reinforced plastic composites where the basalt fibers serve as flame-retardant reinforcement. Basalt is naturally fire-resistant and does not contribute to fire load, while the plastic matrix maintains ease of manufacture. This composite structure reduces overall fire load compared to pure plastic constructions while preserving manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a fiber optic cable (10) comprising a fiber unit (20) which comprises at least one optical fiber (2), and further comprising at least one sheath element (1) and/or at least one strain relief unit, wherein the at least one sheath element (1) and/or the at least one strain relief unit comprises basalt.