Pre-connectorized Fiber Optic Cable Assembly with Bend Limiters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data center cabling infrastructure requires significant labor, time, and cost for installation due to the complexity of interconnectivity, and there is a need for faster and more efficient methods to achieve plug-and-play capabilities in equipment racks.
Innovation Solution
A pre-engineered fiber optic cable assembly for equipment racks, featuring distribution housings with bend limiters and bidirectional connectivity, allowing for easy installation and connection of optical fibers directly to network equipment, enabling plug-and-play functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional on-site connectorization and assembly of cables is used, then flexibility in installation is maintained, but labor, installation time, and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-connectorizing distribution cables with connectors at both ends before delivery to the data center. The cables are pre-routed through cable trays and pre-positioned in equipment racks with connectors already attached, eliminating the need for on-site connectorization and significantly reducing installation time and labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cabling system into modular components including pre-connectorized distribution cables, individual equipment racks with integrated connectors, and jumpers. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, tested, and installed, improving overall installation efficiency while maintaining system flexibility.
2Loss of time
If pre-engineered distribution cables are used, then installation time is reduced, but the need for additional jumpers and connectors increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the distribution cable and connector assembly into a single integrated unit. The connectors are permanently attached to the distribution cables during manufacturing, creating a unified pre-connectorized cable assembly that eliminates the need for separate connector installation steps and reduces overall system complexity despite the initial manufacturing complexity.
3Productivity
If equipment racks are delivered with pre-installed cabling for plug-and-play, then installation efficiency is maximized, but manufacturing and quality control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing equipment racks with integrated cable management features such as cable trays, routing channels, and pre-positioned connector housings. These features guide the installation process and ensure proper cable positioning without requiring highly skilled technicians or complex quality control procedures, thereby achieving plug-and-play capability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
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.