Optical Fiber Cable Periodic Coupling Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical cables face challenges in balancing the need for secure fiber retention within the cable while minimizing signal attenuation due to bending, loading, or thermal cycling, particularly when using nonwoven-backed water blocking tapes which are cumbersome and limit flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The optical cable employs a polymeric coupling structure with spaced contact zones that non-rigidly couple the optical transmission element to the elongate body, allowing for relative movement and using water-blocking powders instead of tapes, with coupling elements like elastomeric polymer plugs or adhesive patches to provide a controlled coefficient of coupling greater than 3 and less than 100, ensuring secure fiber retention without excessive rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nonwoven-backed water blocking tapes are used to retain fiber, then water blocking is provided, but the cable becomes cumbersome and flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater blockingVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous water blocking tape is segmented into discrete water-blocking particles or powders distributed within the cable structure. This segmentation eliminates the cumbersome continuous tape while maintaining water blocking at critical points, thereby improving flexibility without sacrificing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable structure incorporates porous or permeable regions that allow water-blocking particles to be distributed throughout the cable body. This enables water blocking functionality without requiring solid continuous tapes, thus maintaining cable flexibility and ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If rigid coupling is used to secure fiber, then fiber retention is improved, but signal attenuation due to bending and loading increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber retentionVSAvoidsignal attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling coefficient between the fiber and cable structure is adjusted to an optimal range that provides sufficient fiber retention while allowing controlled movement. This parameter optimization ensures that fibers remain secured against excessive displacement but can move enough to avoid strain-induced signal attenuation during bending and loading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The cable structure employs dynamic coupling mechanisms that allow controlled relative movement between fiber and cable body. This dynamic approach enables the system to adapt to bending and loading conditions, maintaining fiber retention while minimizing strain and signal loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If contiguous water blocking tapes are used, then water blocking is effective, but processing constraints and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater blockingVSAvoidprocessing constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The water blocking function is extracted from the continuous tape format and implemented through discrete water-blocking particles or powders distributed within the cable. This eliminates the need for tape insertion processing while maintaining effective water blocking, thereby simplifying manufacturing and installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable structure is designed to integrate water-blocking particles into the existing cable manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate tape insertion steps. This multi-functional approach combines water blocking with the cable extrusion process, reducing processing constraints and simplifying production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution effectively retains excess fiber length within the cable, reduces strain-based signal attenuation, and eliminates the processing constraints associated with tape insertion, while allowing for adjustable coupling levels and improved water-blocking without the need for contiguous tapes.

Implementation Method 1

a polymeric coupling structure contacting the outer surface of the optical transmission element and non-rigidly coupling the optical transmission element to the elongate body such that movement between the optical transmission element and the elongate body is resisted

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10078191B2Optical fiber cable with internal periodic coupling structure

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC

AI summary

An optical cable is provided. The optical cable includes a tubular, elongate body having an inner surface defining a cavity extending between first and second ends of the elongate body and an optical transmission element located with the cavity. The optical cable includes a coupling or bonding structure non-permanently and non-rigidly joining the outer surface of the optical transmission element to the elongate body at a plurality of periodic contact zones such that relative movement between the optical transmission element and the elongate body is resisted.