Fiber Optic Assemblies with SZ Stranding and Flexible Binders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic cables are too large and inflexible for deployment in multiple dwelling units, requiring significant labor and time to install, and often result in congested raceways and high installation costs due to their large cross-sectional area and rigid nature.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic assembly comprising a bundled unit of single fiber subunit cables with SZ stranding and flexible binders, eliminating the need for a central strength member or outer jacket, allowing for a small bend radius and high tensile strength while using bend-insensitive optical fibers to facilitate installation through tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fiber optic cables are used, then bandwidth capacity is sufficient, but the cable size and rigidity make them unsuitable for tight spaces and small bends
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is segmented into multiple independent subunit cables, each containing a single optical fiber with its own strength member. This segmentation allows each subunit to be flexible while the bundled assembly provides high tensile strength through the collective strength members of all subunits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the rigid central strength member and outer jacket found in conventional cables, replacing them with a flexible binder that holds the subunit cables together. This allows the cable to bend to small radii while maintaining structural integrity through the flexible nature of the binder and the individual flexibility of each subunit.
2Strength
If conventional fiber optic cables with central strength members are used, then tensile strength is sufficient, but the cable cross-sectional area becomes too large for small spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The cable structure is segmented into multiple thin subunit cables rather than one thick cable with a central strength member. This segmentation reduces the overall cross-sectional area while distributing tensile strength across multiple individual strength members, one in each subunit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the conventional central strength member and outer jacket components, replacing them with a minimal binder structure. This extraction eliminates the bulky components that increase cable diameter while maintaining necessary tensile strength through the distributed strength members in each subunit.
3Reliability
If individual cables are pulled from FDT to each living unit, then connectivity is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual cable installations into a single bundled assembly that can be installed as one unit. The cable is pulled through the building as a single entity, then the subunit cables are separated and distributed to individual living units, combining the benefits of single-cable installation simplicity with multi-point connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The subunit cables are pre-arranged and bound together in a structured configuration before installation. This preliminary organization allows the entire bundle to be pulled through conduits and routed efficiently, with subunits ready for immediate separation and connection at destination points, reducing on-site installation time.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid central strength members are used, then cable structural integrity is maintained, but the cable cannot be bent around tight corners
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into multiple flexible subunit cables, each capable of independent bending. This segmentation allows the overall cable assembly to conform to tight corners and irregular routing paths while each subunit maintains its structural integrity through its own strength member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the rigid central strength member with a flexible binder that can accommodate tight bends. The flexible nature of the binder allows the cable to be routed around corners with small radii while still providing the necessary structural support and maintaining subunit cable alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber optic assemblies include subunit cables wrapped in binders. The assemblies have small cross sections and low bend radii while maintaining acceptable attenuation losses. Stranding of the subunit cables allows ease of access to the individual cables during installation.