Deployable Fiber Optic Cable with Rolled Ribbon and Rugged Jacket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic cables with partially bonded ribbons are inadequate for direct deployment and retrieval in harsh ground tactical applications due to limited environmental and mechanical ratings compared to rugged tight buffer designs.
Innovation Solution
A deployable fiber optic cable design featuring partially bonded ribbon fibers rolled into a circular cross-section, surrounded by an elongate member and a rugged outer jacket, with a yarn strength member in between, providing enhanced mechanical and environmental resilience through a polyurethane jacket and additional structural elements like fiber tubes and water-blocking threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If partially bonded ribbons are used in fiber optic cables for indoor and outdoor installation, then the cable structure is simplified and ease of installation is improved, but environmental and mechanical ratings deteriorate compared to rugged tight buffer designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the partially bonded ribbon is rolled into a circular cross-section and placed inside an elongate member (such as a fiber tube or loose tube). This nested arrangement protects the delicate ribbon structure while maintaining the simplified installation benefits, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and environmental/mechanical durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple materials and structures: the partially bonded ribbon fibers, the elongate member material (such as polyurethane or other rugged materials), and the outer jacket material. This composite construction provides both the ease of handling associated with ribbon cables and the ruggedness required for harsh environments, simultaneously addressing both requirements.
2Strength
If partially bonded ribbons are rolled into circular cross section and surrounded by elongate members, then mechanical strength and environmental resistance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection, maintains the circular cross-section geometry, allows for rugged outer jacket construction, and enables repeated deployment and retrieval. By consolidating these functions into a single structural element, the patent increases mechanical strength without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Reliability
If a rugged outer jacket with yarn strength member is added, then durability and resistance to harsh environments are improved, but cable diameter and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rugged outer jacket made from flexible materials that can withstand harsh environments while maintaining cable flexibility. The jacket is designed to be protective yet flexible enough to allow repeated deployment and retrieval, resolving the contradiction between durability and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable fiber optic cable for pairing with a connector, the cable including a plurality of partially bonded ribbon fibers each being sized and configured to be rolled into a circular cross section; an elongate member forming a slotted core including a plurality of rounded slots for longitudinally surrounding the circular cross sections of a corresponding plurality of the plurality of partially bonded ribbon fibers; a plurality of rugged fiber tubes each located adjacent a corresponding one of the plurality of slots and wherein each of the plurality of rugged fiber tubes longitudinally surround a corresponding plurality of the plurality of partially bonded ribbon fibers; a plurality of water-blocking yarn members each surrounding a corresponding one of the plurality of rugged fiber tubes; a rugged outer jacket; and a yarn strength member located between the rugged outer jacket and the slotted core.