Fiber Optic Cable Tracer with Visual Indicator Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-density data distribution locations, identifying and disconnecting the distal end of optical cables is challenging due to the complexity and density of fiber optic cables, which can lead to errors and damage during maintenance or updates.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly with a tracer component that includes a tracer conduit and a sleeve, where a tracing signal is initiated at the proximal end and propagates to the distal end, activating an indicator, such as visible light, to visually trace the cable, minimizing the risk of snagging and damage by keeping the tracer pigtail in close proximity to data transmission pigtails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical cables are bundled together in high-density configurations to increase bandwidth capacity, then data transmission capability is improved, but cable identification and tracking become significantly more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by incorporating visual indicators (such as colored bands, reflective elements, or light-emitting components) on or near the tracer component that change appearance based on the presence of a tracing signal. This allows technicians to easily identify and track specific cables among high-density bundles by observing color changes from invisible to visible states.
2Ease of operation
If technicians manually trace cables through high-density locations to identify distal ends, then cable disconnection can be achieved, but time consumption and error risk increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing the tracer component on the optical cable at a location that allows easy access for signal injection. This preparation enables technicians to quickly initiate tracing operations without needing to search for attachment points or prepare additional equipment, significantly reducing identification time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary tracing signal (electrical or optical) that propagates along the cable to activate visual indicators at the distal end. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the technician at the proximal end and the cable termination at the distal end, enabling rapid identification without manual tracing through dense cable bundles.
3Device complexity
If traditional visual tracing methods are used without integrated tracers, then cable simplicity is maintained, but tracing accuracy and reliability decrease in high-density environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by integrating the tracer component within the existing cable structure. The tracer component is positioned inside or adjacent to the optical cable in a nested configuration, allowing the tracing function to be embedded without significantly altering the external cable appearance or requiring separate tracing equipment.
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 effectively aids technicians in identifying and disconnecting optical cables, reducing the risk of errors and damage by providing a clear visual path for tracing, thus enhancing maintenance efficiency in dense cable environments.
Implementation Method 1
A tracing signal is input or initiated at or near a proximal end of the tracer component. The tracing signal propagates along a tracing conduit causing activation of an indicator at or near a distal end of the tracer component.
Implementation Method 2
the indicator is an electrically powered light emitter, such as a light emitting diode
Implementation Method 3
the tracing signal is an optical signal, e.g., laser or non-laser light
Data Source
AI summary
A cable assembly including a tracer conduit and one or more data transmission conduits. Physically separable proximal and/or distal portions of the data transmission conduit(s) and the tracer conduit are held together by a sleeve. In some examples the sleeve is axially and radially expandable and collapsible multiple times. In some examples, the tracer conduit transmits a visible laser light signal that can be observed after it radially diffuses through the sleeve.