Bendable Ribbon for Optical Fiber Cable Space Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optic fiber ribbon cables face inefficiencies due to wasted space caused by the circular tubes accommodating rectangular or square stacks of ribbons, leading to increased cable dimensions and reduced fiber count.
Innovation Solution
The development of a bendable optic fiber ribbon with a curved side and a bottom flat side, allowing for efficient use of space by accommodating bending without straining the ribbon matrix, thereby increasing the fiber count within the same cable dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flat rectangular ribbons are stacked in conventional tubes, then the ribbon structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but wasted space increases cable dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The ribbon is transformed from a flat rectangular shape to a curved cross-sectional shape that conforms to the circular tube geometry. This curvature allows the ribbon to efficiently utilize the available space within the circular tube, eliminating wasted space while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat ribbon layout to a three-dimensional curved configuration. By utilizing the radial dimension within the circular tube, the ribbon can be arranged in a manner that fills the circular cross-section more completely, thereby reducing overall cable volume for the same fiber count.
2Quantity of substance
If flat ribbons are stacked to increase fiber count, then fiber count increases, but bending forces strain the ribbon matrix
Solution Approach 1:
The curved cross-sectional shape of the ribbon is specifically designed to accommodate bending forces. When the cable bends, the curved configuration allows the ribbon to flex more naturally, distributing tension and compression forces more evenly across the ribbon matrix and preventing strain concentration that would occur with flat ribbons.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the ribbon from flat to curved, which fundamentally alters how the ribbon responds to mechanical stress. This parameter change enables the ribbon to withstand bending forces while maintaining structural integrity, allowing for increased fiber counts without compromising strength.
3Ease of manufacture
If circular tubes are used to contain ribbons, then the tube structure is simple and standardized, but wasted space increases
Solution Approach 1:
By matching the ribbon's curved cross-sectional shape to the circular geometry of the tube, the invention maximizes space utilization. The curved ribbon conforms to the circular tube walls, eliminating the wasted triangular spaces that occur when flat ribbons are placed in circular tubes, thereby increasing fiber count within the same tube diameter.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a fiber optic cable (500B) with a plurality of bendable optic fiber ribbon (540B). The fiber optic cable with bendable ribbons increases the total fiber counts compared to conventional optic fiber ribbon cables by eliminating empty spaces of the conventional cables due to stacking of the ribbons in the cross-sectionally circular shape of the loose tubes and the cable jacket. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a bendable ribbon (100) will further allow ribbon labeling on a flat side of the ribbon.