Compact Cable Assembly Segmentation for Narrow Conduit Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telecommunications cables, particularly fiber optic cables, face challenges in being routed through narrow passages due to the large form factor of assembled connectors, which prevents them from fitting through conduits, necessitating a compact cable assembly solution.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly design featuring a core with pre-terminated optical fibers and removably mounted connection units that can be spaced axially, circumferentially, or helically along the cable axis, allowing the cable to be deployed separately and assembled later, with a protective jacket for protection and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connectors are assembled onto cables before deployment, then connection functionality is achieved, but the cable assembly becomes too large to fit through narrow conduits
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly is divided into separate functional segments: the cable core with fibers and the connectors. The connectors are detachable and can be mounted separately, allowing the cable to be deployed through narrow conduits without the bulk of assembled connectors, and then connectors are attached later at the destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is pre-assembled with the core and fibers but without the final connector assembly. This preliminary state allows the cable to be routed through narrow passages, and then connectors are attached in a subsequent step at the destination, resolving the size constraint issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connection units are mounted onto the cable core, then connector functionality is provided, but the cable cannot be routed through narrow passages
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the cable core from the connection units, allowing the cable to be routed independently through narrow passages. The connection units are then attached separately at the destination, maintaining routing flexibility while providing connector functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection units are designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the cable core. This dynamic configuration allows the cable to be deployed in a flexible, compact state through narrow conduits, and then connection units are added later when needed, adapting the system to different deployment scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Optical fibers of a multi-fiber cable are grouped into connection units. The distal ends of the fibers of each connection unit are terminated at a connection unit body that attaches to a tapering cable core formed of longer ones of the connection units. After deployment of the cable, two or more connection units can be stacked together to form a connector or inserted into a connector shell. Prior to deployment of the cable, at least some of the connection units are spaced from each other along the cable. For example, individual connection units may be disposed at one end of the tapering cable core and stacks of connection units may be disposed at the other end of the tapering cable core.