Fiber Optic Breakout Assembly Double D Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

In next-generation wireless communication systems, the separation of remote radio units from baseband controllers over long distances using fiber optic cables poses challenges in managing individual fiber connections efficiently, often requiring a single large multi-fiber optic cable to serve multiple RRUs, which can be cumbersome and prone to mechanical stress.

Innovation Solution

A breakout assembly is used to separate optical fibers from a multi-fiber optic cable into individual pairs, utilizing a clear transparent plastic housing with epoxy encapsulation to protect and secure the fibers, and a double D design to prevent microbending and twisting, along with a weather-resistant enclosure to facilitate easy installation and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a single large multi-fiber optic cable is used to operate individual RRUs, then the number of cables is reduced, but the cable becomes cumbersome and prone to mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of cablesVSAvoidmechanical stress resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the multi-fiber optic cable into multiple individual fiber pairs, each housed in separate protective conduits within a breakout assembly. This segmentation allows each fiber to be independently managed and protected, reducing mechanical stress on the entire cable system while maintaining the reduced cable quantity benefit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a breakout assembly is used to separate optical fibers into individual pairs, then fiber management is improved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber managementVSAvoidassembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual fiber pairs into a single integrated breakout assembly housing with unified encapsulation. This merging approach simplifies the overall structure by consolidating what could be multiple separate components into one assembly, making installation and maintenance easier while still providing individual fiber management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses epoxy encapsulation material that combines protective, structural, and organizational functions. This composite material approach simplifies the assembly structure by using a single material system that provides mechanical protection, fiber stabilization, and environmental sealing, rather than requiring multiple separate protective components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If epoxy encapsulation is used to encase parts within the housing, then fiber protection is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber protectionVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions and secures all fiber pairs and components within the housing before applying the epoxy encapsulation. This preliminary arrangement ensures proper fiber alignment and protection is established prior to encapsulation, allowing the epoxy to be applied as a single protective layer rather than requiring complex post-encapsulation adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a weather-resistant enclosure is used to protect the breakout assembly, then environmental protection is improved, but the installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental resistanceVSAvoidenclosure structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the weather-resistant enclosure features directly into the breakout assembly housing design, combining environmental protection functionality with the structural housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate external protective enclosures, reducing installation complexity while maintaining environmental resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution simplifies the connection and reduces the footprint of fiber optic components, ensuring reliable and efficient transmission while allowing for visual control and protection against environmental factors, thus enhancing the operational efficiency of wireless communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

the housing is filled with an encapsulate, like casting resin or epoxy, to encase parts within the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEncapsulation:

Data Source

PatentEP3045948B1Fiber optic cable breakout assembly
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 RAYCAP SA
  • EP3045948B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3045948B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3045948B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A breakout assembly includes a housing including a first end and a second end. A retaining member includes a first end configured to receive a fiber optic cable and a second end attaching to the first end of the housing and retaining exposed stripped layers of the fiber optic cable. A breakout head is configured to insert into the second end of the housing and includes holes for receiving furcation tubes. A nut holds the breakout head inside of the second end of the housing. Different optical fibers from the fiber optic cable are inserted into the furcation tubes and held by the breakout head. An outside surface of the breakout head and an inside surface of the second end of the housing have round side surfaces extending between flat top and bottom surfaces that prevent the breakout head from rotating within the housing.