Fiber Optic Cable Assembly with Exposable Legs for Dual Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of manufacturing and managing multiple fiber optic cable assemblies for different deployment scenarios in communication networks, where optical connections need to be made both externally and internally, poses challenges for manufacturers and service providers due to varying equipment and connector specifications.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic cable assembly design featuring a furcation body, heat shrink, and profile support element with cable legs that can transition from external to internal connections by removing the heat shrink and profile support element, allowing the same assembly to be used for multiple deployment scenarios with different devices and housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different fiber optic cable assemblies are manufactured for different deployment scenarios, then the ability to support various equipment and connector specifications is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and inventory management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly is designed with a universal construction that can function in multiple deployment scenarios. The key components (fiber optic cable, connectors, furcation body, heat shrink, profile support element, and cable legs) are configured to support both external wall connections and internal cavity connections, eliminating the need for separate specialized assemblies for different deployment scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly is divided into distinct functional segments that can be selectively used or removed. The heat shrink and profile support element act as optional segments that can be removed to transform the assembly from external connection mode to internal connection mode, allowing flexibility without requiring completely different assembly designs.
2Device complexity
If a single cable assembly design is used for multiple deployment scenarios, then manufacturing and inventory complexity is reduced, but the ability to accommodate different connector specifications and equipment types may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly incorporates dynamic configurability through the optional removal of the heat shrink and profile support element. This allows the same basic assembly to adapt its configuration based on the deployment scenario - maintaining the protective structure for external connections and exposing the cable legs for internal connections, thereby accommodating different equipment types with a single design.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat shrink and profile support element serve as intermediary components that can be selectively removed. These intermediaries protect the cable legs and organize the assembly for external connections, but can be removed to allow direct access to cable legs for internal connections, thus mediating between the single assembly design and multiple deployment requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cable legs are exposed for internal cavity connections, then compatibility with devices having internal optical connections is improved, but the structural protection and organization provided by the heat shrink and profile support element is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shrink and profile support element are pre-installed on the cable assembly to provide structural protection and organization. When internal cavity connection is required, these components are removed in a preliminary action before making the optical connection, allowing the cable legs to be routed within the internal cavity while maintaining the option to restore protection if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat shrink and profile support element can be temporarily discarded (removed) to enable internal cavity connections, and potentially recovered or replaced with appropriate protective elements once the internal connection is established. This allows the assembly to transition between protected and exposed states based on deployment requirements.
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 design reduces complexity by enabling a single cable assembly to support multiple deployment scenarios, simplifying manufacturing, installation, and inventory management for service providers, while maintaining optical connection flexibility and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a heat shrink, a profile support element, one or more cable legs. The heat shrink is disposed between the one or more fiber optic connectors and the furcation body
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber optic cable assemblies having a construction suitable for a first deployment scenario where the optical connection is made to the device externally that may be transformed for a second deployment scenario where the optical connection is disposed within an internal cavity of the device are disclosed. The cable assembly has one or more cable legs disposed within a profile support element and are disposed under the heat shrink. The fiber optic connectors are exposed and suitable for optical connection with the heat shrink intact on the cable assembly and the profile support element further provides further flexibility using different outer housings with the cable assembly when making external optical connections to the device Thus, the concepts disclosed advantageously allow a single cable assembly to support multiple deployment scenarios in the field, thereby reducing complexity.