Field Installable Cable Splice System Strength Member Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic connector systems lack versatility and are not adequately weatherproof or hazard-proof, leading to vulnerabilities in optical fiber connections, especially under harsh environmental conditions and tensile forces.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an inner crimp tube and crimp sleeve to secure strength members from respective cables, allowing them to fold over and be secured to a common structure, providing a stable connection that separates from the fiber splice, thus protecting the optical fibers and maintaining integrity under external forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connectors are used to connect cables, then the connection can be established, but the connection point remains vulnerable to separation due to outside forces such as twists, turns, and tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the cable connection function from the fiber splice function into distinct components. The cable connection assembly includes separate elements (connector bodies, strength member securing mechanisms) that handle cable-level forces, while the fiber splice remains isolated and protected. This segmentation prevents external forces applied to cables from being transmitted to the fragile fiber splice point.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary components (connector bodies, transition assemblies) between the cables and the fiber splice point. These intermediaries absorb and isolate external forces, acting as a buffer that protects the critical fiber splice from mechanical stresses such as tension, twisting, and bending applied to the cables during installation and service.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are designed to be versatile for different applications, then adaptability improves, but protection against harsh environmental conditions and hazards decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs standardized connector bodies and interface mechanisms that can accommodate different cable types and configurations while maintaining consistent protective features. The connector design integrates multiple functions (strength member securing, cable alignment, fiber protection) into a universal assembly that adapts to various applications without compromising environmental protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assemblies utilize composite construction combining materials with different properties to achieve both versatility and environmental protection. The design integrates corrosion-resistant materials, sealed components, and protective coatings that provide hazard-proof characteristics while maintaining adaptability through modular design elements that can be configured for different cable types and installation environments.
3Device complexity
If the cable connection point is integrated with the fiber splice, then the structure is simplified, but the fiber splice becomes vulnerable to cable stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the connection system into distinct functional segments: a cable connection assembly that handles mechanical stresses and a separate fiber splice assembly that maintains optical continuity. This segmentation is achieved through separate connector bodies and transition assemblies that physically isolate the fiber splice from cable-level forces, preventing stress transmission while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination of an inner crimp tube and a crimp sleeve provide a basis for securing a connection between respective first and second cables through which optical fibers extend and can be spliced together for signal transmission. The combination of the inner crimp tube and the crimp sleeve includes the inner crimp tube receiving at least one strength member from each respective cable, wherein the inner crimp tube is positioned along lengths of the strength members such that the strength members extend through the inner crimp tube. Loose ends of respective strength members fold back over opposite ends of the inner crimp tube to join strength members of each cable to a common structure. At least one crimp sleeve secures the respective loose ends of the strength members to the inner crimp tube.