Connectorized Fiber Optic Cabling Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connectorized fiber optic cabling, such as ribbonized and loose tube cabling, face challenges in bendability and cost, particularly due to the need for epoxy in transitions and installation complexities.
Innovation Solution
A connectorized fiber optic cabling assembly that includes a loose tube fiber optic cable with a connector assembly featuring a rigid portion and a non-ribbonized configuration, allowing the optical fibers to transition from a ribbonized to a loose configuration, eliminating the need for furcation tubing and reducing installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ribbonized cabling is used to arrange fibers in a row for connector termination, then fiber alignment is improved, but bendability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cable structure is segmented into distinct regions: a first region with ribbonized fibers for connector termination and a second region with loose tube fibers for flexible cable routing. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its function independently, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and bendability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different structural qualities are applied to different parts of the cable system. The connector region receives rigid ribbonized fiber arrangement for precise alignment, while the cable body maintains flexible loose tube construction for ease of handling and installation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing each zone with its optimal properties.
2Stability of the object's composition
If furcation tubing and epoxy are used to secure cable transitions, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The transition structure merges the cable jacket, strength members, and fiber support into an integrated assembly. The connector assembly directly interfaces with the loose tube cable structure, eliminating the need for separate furcation tubing and epoxy application steps, thus reducing complexity while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the furcation tubing and epoxy components from the transition assembly. By redesigning the connector interface to work directly with the loose tube cable structure, these additional components are removed, simplifying the overall system while preserving structural integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If ribbonized cabling is used for fiber arrangement, then fiber alignment for connectors is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into segments with different fiber configurations. Only the portion requiring connector termination uses expensive ribbonized construction, while the majority of the cable length uses cost-effective loose tube construction. This segmentation reduces overall material costs while maintaining necessary alignment precision at the connector interface.
Solution Approach 2:
Ribbonized fiber arrangement is applied locally only where precision alignment is needed for connector termination, rather than throughout the entire cable length. This selective application minimizes the use of expensive ribbonized materials while maintaining manufacturing precision where required.
Data Source
AI summary
A connectorized fiber optic cabling assembly includes a loose tube fiber optic cable and a connector assembly. The cable has a termination end and includes an optical fiber bundle including a plurality of optical fibers, at least one strength member, and a jacket surrounding the optical fiber bundle and the strength member. The connector assembly includes a rigid portion and defines a fiber passage. The connector assembly is mounted on the termination end of the cable such that the optical fiber bundle extends through at least a portion of the fiber passage. The plurality of optical fibers undergo a transition from a ribbonized configuration to a loose, non-ribbonized configuration in the rigid portion of the connector assembly.