Fiber Optic Breakout Assembly with Armored Furcation Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fusion splicing methods for optical fibers in fiber optic cables lack enhancements for efficient signal transmission and reliable jointing, particularly in warehouse settings.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic cable breakout assembly comprising a fiber optic cable, a breakout canister, pigtail cords with optical connectors, and a flexible furcation tube with a corrugated armored inner layer and polymeric outer layer, where each optical fiber is spliced within the furcation tube, surrounded by a splice protector for enhanced protection and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fusion splicing is used to join optical fibers, then the joint strength and reliability are improved, but signal loss and reflectance cannot be fully eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The breakout assembly serves as an intermediary component between the spliced fibers and the connectors. It provides a controlled environment for the splice points while enabling optimal alignment and connection, thereby reducing signal loss and reflectance without compromising the reliability of the fusion splice itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly segments the fiber cable into distinct functional sections: the spliced section within the breakout assembly and the connector sections on the pigtails. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently - the splice for strength and the connectors for low-loss connection.
2Ease of operation
If field splicing is performed in warehouse settings, then installation flexibility is improved, but splicing precision and protection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The breakout assembly is prepared in advance with pre-positioned splices and integrated protection structures. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex field splicing operations, allowing installers to simply connect pre-assembled units while maintaining high precision and protection standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly incorporates self-aligning features and integrated protection mechanisms that automatically ensure precise splice alignment and adequate protection without requiring complex external tools or specialized field conditions.
3Strength
If traditional cable protection methods are used, then cable strength is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The breakout assembly uses flexible protective structures including heat shrink sleeves and protective boots that conform to the cable and provide strength while allowing the assembly to adapt to different installation environments and cable configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly is designed as a universal solution that can accommodate different fiber types, cable configurations, and connector styles. The modular design with standardized components allows it to adapt to various warehouse and field application requirements while maintaining cable strength through integrated protection.
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 assembly provides a robust and reliable splicing solution with minimized signal loss and reflectance, enhancing the strength and flexibility of the fiber optic cable connections, making it suitable for warehouse applications.
Implementation Method 1
Optical fibers of fiber optic cables (either individual fibers or groups of fibers, such as ribbon fibers) are often spliced together to enable the transmission of signals between two cables
Implementation Method 2
Fusion splicing is the process of fusing or welding two fibers together, usually by an electric arc
Implementation Method 3
The assembly includes a pair of heat shrink sleeves
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic cable breakout assembly includes: a fiber optic cable including a plurality of first optical fibers and a first jacket surrounding the optical fibers; a breakout canister; a plurality of pigtail cords, each of the pigtail cords including a second optical fiber partially encased in a second jacket and an optical connector, each of the pigtail cords extending away from the canister, each of the optical fibers extending through the canister; and a flexible furcation tube attached to and extending between the fiber optic cable and the breakout canister, the furcation tube including an armored inner layer and a polymeric outer layer, wherein each of the first optical fibers is spliced to a respective second optical fiber within the inner layer of the furcation tube.