Controlled Radius Splice Protector for Bend Stress Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard splice protectors are inadequate for fiber optic splices on a bend radius, failing to provide sufficient protection against bending stresses, which is crucial in size-constrained applications such as satellite and avionic systems.
Innovation Solution
A controlled radius splice protector with a pre-formed jacket tubing made of polyaryletheretherketone and hot melted splice tubing comprising ethane-vinylacetate copolyester and polyolefin, designed to manage bending stresses by extending over the fiber splice and being thermally conditioned to a selected bend radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard splice protectors are used for fiber optic splices on a bend radius, then the splice is protected from basic damage, but the splice is not adequately protected against bending stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The jacket tubing is pre-formed to the desired bend radius before the splicing process. This preliminary shaping ensures that when the splice is inserted and sealed, it automatically assumes the correct curved configuration, providing adequate protection against bending stresses from the outset rather than requiring post-splice adjustment or forcing a straight protector onto a curved path
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the protector from a straight configuration to a pre-formed curved configuration matching the desired bend radius. This parameter change allows the splice to be protected while maintaining the required curvature, resolving the incompatibility between standard straight protectors and bent fiber paths
2Reliability
If a pre-formed jacket tubing is used to control bend radius, then bending stresses are controlled, but the fabrication process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fabrication process is segmented into distinct sequential steps: providing the jacket tubing, pre-forming it to the desired bend radius, providing the fibers and splice, applying the sealant, and sealing. This segmentation makes the complex process more manageable and repeatable by breaking it into discrete, controllable operations rather than a single complex step
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant acts as an intermediary material that bonds the fibers to the pre-formed jacket tubing. This intermediary enables the complex function of stress control by creating a mechanical connection between the fiber splice and the curved protector structure, allowing the jacket to effectively constrain and protect the bent splice
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 solution effectively reduces buffer/cladding distortions and enhances fiber reliability by controlling bend radius stresses, suitable for space operations and radiation-resistant applications while maintaining minimal size and weight.
Implementation Method 1
hot melted splice tubing extending over the fiber splice
Implementation Method 2
melting the splice tubing on the fiber splice
Implementation Method 3
thermally conditioned to a selected bend radius
Implementation Method 4
controls bending stresses in a fiber splice
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled radius splice protector includes a first fiber optic fiber, a second fiber optic fiber, a fiber splice connecting the first fiber optic fiber and the second fiber optic fiber, a hot melted splice tubing extending over the fiber splice and a jacket tubing receiving the hot melted splice tubing and pre-formed to a selected bend radius.