Optical Fiber Cable Ripcord Access Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber cables require significant effort and risk damage when attempting to access embedded strength members due to the limited accessibility provided by a single ripcord, which complicates the installation process.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber cable design incorporates a plurality of ripcords positioned on both sides of strength members within cavities in the sheath, allowing for easier access and minimizing damage by distributing the force of opening across multiple points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single ripcord is used to access the strength member, then the cable structure remains simple, but the accessibility to the strength member is insufficient and requires additional effort
Solution Approach 1:
The single ripcord is divided into multiple segments (first ripcord and second ripcord) positioned at different locations along the cable. Each ripcord segment can be independently pulled to access the strength member from different sides, improving accessibility without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a single ripcord is positioned near the strength member, then the cable structure remains simple, but the ripcord cannot completely access the strength member from all sides
Solution Approach 1:
The ripcord system is segmented into multiple independent ripcords positioned at different locations. The first ripcord is positioned at a first location and the second ripcord is positioned at a second location, allowing comprehensive access to the strength member from multiple sides simultaneously.
3Strength
If the sheath is made thicker to protect optical fibers, then the cable strength increases, but the difficulty to open the sheath without damaging optical fibers increases
Solution Approach 1:
Ripcords are pre-positioned within the sheath structure at specific locations. These ripcords create predetermined weak points or separation planes that allow the sheath to be opened cleanly without requiring excessive force that could damage the optical fibers, thus maintaining both protection and ease of opening.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical fiber cable (100) comprising a core (104) with one or more optical fibers units (102), a sheath (108) surrounding the core (104), one or more strength members (110) at least partially embedded in the sheath (108) and a plurality of ripcords (112) positioned on both sides of a strength member.