Fiber optic cable assembly for an equipment rack and method of using same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center infrastructure requires labor-intensive and costly installation of fiber optic cables, with a need for faster and more efficient interconnectivity solutions to reduce installation time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A pre-engineered fiber optic cable assembly for equipment racks, featuring distribution housings with bend limiters and a clam-shell configuration, allowing for plug-and-play capability by pre-terminating optical fibers and attaching to racks for simplified installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fiber optic cables are installed using traditional on-site connectorization methods, then installation flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but installation time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-terminating optical fibers with connectors at the cable ends before cable assembly. The distribution housings are pre-assembled with bend limiters and positioning features during manufacturing. This allows the cable to be delivered in a ready-to-install state, eliminating time-consuming on-site connectorization and reducing installation labor while maintaining the ability to adapt to different rack configurations through modular distribution housing designs.
2Loss of time
If pre-engineered cable assemblies are used to reduce installation time, then installation efficiency improves, but cable flexibility and adaptability to different configurations may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cable assembly into modular components: separate distribution housings that can be positioned at different locations along the cable, and detachable connectors at both ends. This modular architecture allows installers to configure the cable for different rack setups by repositioning or removing distribution housings, while still benefiting from pre-terminated fibers that reduce installation time. The cable can be cut to different lengths and reconfigured without requiring complete re-termination.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional cable installation methods are used, then field adaptability is maintained, but installation costs and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-terminating optical fibers with connectors at the cable ends before cable assembly. The distribution housings are pre-assembled with bend limiters and positioning features during manufacturing. This allows the cable to be delivered in a ready-to-install state, eliminating time-consuming on-site connectorization and reducing installation labor while maintaining the ability to adapt to different rack configurations through modular distribution housing designs.
4Loss of time
If fiber optic cables are pre-terminated and pre-assembled, then installation time reduces significantly, but manufacturing complexity and initial production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-terminating optical fibers with connectors at the cable ends before cable assembly. The distribution housings are pre-assembled with bend limiters and positioning features during manufacturing. This allows the cable to be delivered in a ready-to-install state, eliminating time-consuming on-site connectorization and reducing installation labor while maintaining the ability to adapt to different rack configurations through modular distribution housing designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic cable and a plurality of distribution housings along its length. The distribution housings include a tubular portion with a first passageway that receives optical fibers of the fiber optic cable and a branch portion with a second passageway. The second passageway intersects the first passageway and receives a subset of optical fibers that define tap cables branching away from the main fiber optic cable. The distribution housing includes one or more bend limiters adjacent the intersection between the passageways to limit bending of the tap cables. The distribution housings may include movement restrictors to limit movement of the distribution housings relative to the fiber optic cable. An equipment rack having such a fiber optic cable assembly is disclosed. A method of using the fiber optic cable assembly in an equipment rack to provide a plug-and-play capability is also disclosed.