Fiber Cable Fan-Out Assembly with Orientation Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications fanout assemblies lack effective solutions for securely fanning out multi-fiber cables into individual fibers, particularly in environments where fragile fibers need protection and precise alignment.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fiber cable assembly with a fan-out arrangement featuring an outer shell, orientation plug, and furcation tube assembly that includes a furcation tube organizer with indexed slots, crimp sleeves, and a cable clamp to securely mount and protect individual fibers, preventing rotation and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a multi-fiber cable is fanned out into individual fibers, then fiber distribution efficiency is improved, but the risk of mechanical damage to fragile fibers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where furcation tubes are inserted into slots within an organizer assembly, which is then inserted into the outer shell. This nested arrangement protects individual fibers within furcation tubes while organizing multiple tubes within the confined space of the outer shell, thereby enabling efficient fiber distribution while minimizing exposure to mechanical damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-fiber cable is segmented into individual fibers grouped in ribbons, with each ribbon further divided into individual fibers within separate furcation tubes. This segmentation allows for controlled handling and protection of fragile fibers while maintaining distribution efficiency through organized separation.
2Manufacturing precision
If an orientation plug with keying arrangement is used, then rotational alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation plug incorporates an asymmetric keying arrangement with a keyway and corresponding key that prevents rotational misalignment. This asymmetric feature provides precise rotational positioning of the organizer assembly within the outer shell, ensuring proper alignment of fiber ribbons with furcation tubes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If furcation tube arrangements are securely mounted in indexed slots, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The organizer assembly is pre-configured with multiple indexed slots at precise positions before insertion into the outer shell. Furcation tubes are inserted into these pre-defined slots, which are designed to accommodate the furcation tubes securely. This preliminary arrangement of slots ensures precise positioning of each furcation tube relative to the fiber ribbons while keeping the mounting structure simple through standardized slot geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a multi-fiber cable assembly including a multi-fiber cable. The multi-fiber cable includes a block of optical fiber ribbons, the block having an external profile; a strength layer surrounding the optical fiber ribbons; a jacket surrounding the strength layer; and a fan-out arrangement disposed at a first end of the multi-fiber cable. The fan-out arrangement includes an outer shell extending from a first end to a second end, the outer shell including a first interior mounting location spaced axially from a second interior mounting location; an orientation plug defining a longitudinal through-passage through which the block of optical fiber ribbons extends, the through-passage having an internal profile that inhibits rotation of the block of optical fiber ribbons, the orientation plug including a keying arrangement that axially and rotationally fixes the orientation plug to the outer shell at the first interior mounting location; and a furcation tube assembly axially and rotationally fixed to the outer shell at the second interior mounting location, the furcation tube assembly includes a plurality of furcation tube arrangements mounted to an organizer.