Fiber Optic Breakout Assembly Epoxy Plug Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic breakout harness designs do not adequately address the maximum bend radius, stress, and environmental impact on optical fibers during transition from multi-fiber cables to furcation tubes, leading to potential performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic cable transition assembly with a housing and boots that provide strain relief, featuring plugs to prevent epoxy adhesive from entering the cables and tubes, and a volume of hardened epoxy for structural support, ensuring stress is transferred directly to the cables and tubes rather than the fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If epoxy adhesive is used to secure fibers in the transition assembly, then structural support and stress distribution are improved, but adhesive may enter the cable and tube causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
A plug is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the epoxy adhesive and the cable/tube. The plug is positioned within the housing to intercept and block adhesive from entering the cable and tube, while still allowing the adhesive to perform its structural support function in the housing cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing internal volume is segmented into distinct zones: a first region for receiving the cable, a second region for receiving the tube, and a third region for the epoxy adhesive. The plug separates these regions, preventing adhesive migration while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If the boot is made rigid to provide strain relief, then fiber stress protection is improved, but the boot cannot contour under load reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The boot material properties are changed by incorporating elastomeric elements that can deform under load. This allows the boot to contour and adapt to the shape of the cable and tube while still providing strain relief through its elastic recovery and cushioning properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot is constructed as a composite structure combining rigid and elastomeric materials. The rigid portions provide structural support and strain relief, while the elastomeric portions provide flexibility and contouring capability under load.
3Reliability
If the housing is designed to contain epoxy adhesive, then adhesive control is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The plug serves as a simple intermediary component that provides adhesive control without requiring complex sealing mechanisms or multiple housing parts. The plug is retained by the housing in a straightforward manner, minimizing structural complexity while effectively blocking adhesive migration.
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
The solution reduces stress on optical fibers, maintains their elastomeric nature, and improves optical performance by preventing adhesive ingress and allowing flexible boot contouring under load, thereby enhancing the reliability of fiber optic communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
The housing is adapted to receive epoxy adhesive... a volume of hardened epoxy that is contained within the housing internal passageway
Implementation Method 2
a boot that is positioned at least partially inside the housing for receiving the multi-fiber cable to provide strain relief to the plurality of optical fibers
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic cable transition assembly for transitioning a plurality of optical fibers from a multi-fiber cable to a plurality of furcation tubes. The fiber optic transition assembly has a housing with a front opening and an internal passageway that is defined by a wall and a narrow region. The housing is adapted to receive epoxy adhesive. The fiber optic transition assembly has a boot that is positioned at least partially inside the housing for receiving the multi-fiber cable to provide strain relief to the plurality of optical fibers extending therethrough. The fiber optic transition assembly has a plug supported by the boot and retained by the housing to prevent epoxy adhesive from entering the multi-fiber cable.