Dielectric Armor Fiber Optic Assemblies for Crush Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metallic armor in fiber optic cables is expensive to install, requires grounding for electrical safety, and can deform under crush loads, leading to permanent optical attenuation, while dielectric armor solutions lack desired mechanical features and visibility as armored cables.
Innovation Solution
Dielectric armor with a spiral profile resembling conventional metal armor, providing crush resistance and recovery, eliminating the need for grounding and an exterior jacket, and meeting flame and smoke ratings, is used in fiber optic assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic interlocking armor is used, then mechanical strength and crush resistance are improved, but installation cost and complexity increase due to grounding requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the metallic armor system with a dielectric armor system that provides similar mechanical protection without electrical conductivity. The dielectric material absorbs impact energy through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for grounding while maintaining crush resistance and mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter of the armor from conductive (metallic) to insulating (dielectric). This parameter change eliminates grounding requirements while maintaining the mechanical protective function through appropriate material selection and structural design.
2Strength
If metallic armor is used, then mechanical robustness is improved, but permanent deformation occurs under crush loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical behavior parameter of the armor from plastic deformation (metallic) to elastic deformation (dielectric). The dielectric material's elastic properties enable it to return to its original shape after crush loads, preventing permanent deformation and maintaining optical performance reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric armor provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing impact energy through elastic deformation before the crush load is applied. This pre-positioned energy absorption mechanism prevents permanent deformation of the internal fiber optic components while maintaining mechanical robustness.
3Device complexity
If dielectric armor is used, then grounding requirements are eliminated, but mechanical features and visibility as armored cable are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material construction combining dielectric material with structural features that provide both mechanical protection and visual identification. The composite structure includes the dielectric armor layer combined with internal reinforcement elements and external markings that replicate conventional armored cable appearance and mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by adding structural reinforcement elements and visual markings to specific locations on the dielectric armor. These localized features provide the necessary mechanical strength and visibility without requiring grounding, maintaining the appearance and feel of conventional armored cables.
4Reliability
If exterior cable jacket is included, then protection is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric armor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection, electrical insulation, and structural support. By making the armor layer multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for a separate exterior cable jacket, reducing manufacturing steps and time while maintaining comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the armor layer and exterior jacket into a single integrated dielectric armor structure. This consolidation combines protective and insulating functions in one component, eliminating the need for separate jacketing operations and reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 dielectric armor offers cost-effective, mechanically robust, and optically stable fiber optic assemblies that recover from crush loads without permanent deformation, reducing installation costs and weight, while maintaining desired mechanical and flame/smoke performance.
Implementation Method 1
The dielectric armor provides crush and impact resistance to the optical fibers and/or fiber optic assembl(ies) therein. After being subjected to crush loads, the dielectric armor recovers to substantially recover or to wholly recover its original shape.
Data Source
AI summary
Cables have dielectric armor with an armor profile that resembles conventional metal armored cable. The armor can be formed as a single layer, without requiring an outer jacket layer. The dielectric armor provides additional crush and impact resistance for the optical fibers and/or fiber optic assembly therein. The armored cables recover substantially from deformation caused by crush loads. Additionally, the armored fiber optic assemblies can have any suitable flame and/or smoke rating for meeting the requirements of the intended space. The assemblies can additionally be lightweight and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.