C-Shaped Fiber Cable Support for Easier Aerial Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial optical fiber cables are difficult to handle and install due to their high stiffness, which complicates the process especially when dealing with forces of nature like wind and ice, and the number of access closures required.
Innovation Solution
A support structure composed of high-density polyethylene with fiber-reinforced plastic longitudinal strength members and a C-shaped cross-section design with a hollow center and lateral opening, featuring longitudinal ribs to reduce friction and a symmetrical design for stability, along with anchoring frames and holding brackets for secure attachment to poles, facilitating easier handling and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional aerial optical fiber cables use multiple access closures and complex support structures, then the cable achieves necessary tensile strength and stability, but the installation effort and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support element and cable sheath into a single extruded unit, integrating multiple functions (protection, support, and structural stability) into one component. This merging eliminates the need for separate access closures and reduces installation steps while maintaining the necessary tensile strength through the integrated support element.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides tensile strength, structural support, and acts as part of the cable sheath. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall cable structure, directly addressing the contradiction between strength and installation complexity.
2Strength
If traditional aerial optical fiber cables are designed with high stiffness for strength, then the cable maintains structural integrity, but the cable becomes difficult to handle and install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the cable structure. The support element uses high-stiffness materials (steel wire, rope, or FRP) to provide structural integrity, while the cable sheath uses more flexible materials that allow easier handling. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between structural integrity and handling ease.
3Reliability
If traditional cables require multiple access closures for installation, then the cable achieves proper segmentation and termination points, but the installation time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-defined access closures at specific intervals within the single extruded unit. These segmented access points provide reliable termination and connection points while being integrated into the manufacturing process, reducing on-site installation time compared to traditional methods requiring multiple separate closures.
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
The support structure provides the necessary strength for aerial optical fiber cables while simplifying the installation process by reducing dragging forces and ensuring stable attachment, allowing for efficient cable pulling and minimizing twisting errors.
Implementation Method 1
fiber-reinforced plastic longitudinal strength members
Implementation Method 2
featuring longitudinal ribs to reduce friction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a support structure for an optical fiber cable (7) adapted to be aerially installed in a configuration extending generally horizontally along a series of spaced apart vertical pilots, said support structure comprising: - An approximately c-shaped support element (2) with an open hollow (3), prepared for the incorporation of an optical fiber cable (7); - at least one longitudinal strength member (6) integrated in the c-shaped support element (2); - wherein the optical fiber cable (7) is movable arranged in the hollow (3) of the support clement (2);