Fiber Optic Connector Assembly Ribbonizing Loose Tube Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for terminating multi-fiber fiber optic cables, such as ribbonized cabling and loose tube cabling with furcation tubing, face challenges in bendability, cost, and installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
A connectorized fiber optic cabling assembly that includes a loose tube fiber optic cable with a termination end, featuring an optical fiber bundle, strength members, and a jacket, paired with a connector assembly that has a rigid portion for ribbonizing the fibers and a loose, non-ribbonized configuration outside this portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If ribbonized cabling is used to provide fibers in a row or side-by-side aligned configuration, then the fiber arrangement requirement is met, but bendability and cost are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic cable is divided into two distinct segments: a ribbonized section within the connector assembly where fibers are arranged in a row for proper termination, and a loose tube section outside the connector where fibers maintain a relaxed configuration for easy handling and bending. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly incorporates a rigid portion with a specific geometry that locally constrains and arranges the fibers in a row configuration only where needed for the connector termination. The rest of the cable maintains its loose tube configuration, providing local optimization without compromising overall bendability.
2Shape
If loose tube fiber cabling with furcation tubing is used to provide multiple stacked layers or rows of fibers, then the fiber arrangement requirement is met, but cost, bendability, and installation requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the furcation tubing component from the traditional loose tube cabling system. Instead of using furcation tubing to create stacked layers or rows of fibers, the patent uses a rigid portion within the connector assembly that directly arranges the fibers in the required configuration, simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the fiber arrangement function into the connector assembly itself rather than requiring separate furcation tubing components. The rigid portion of the connector housing integrates the fiber routing and arrangement functions, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying installation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If epoxy is used to secure a transition between the cable and furcation tubing, then the connection is stabilized, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex epoxy bonding process with a simpler mechanical retention system using a rigid portion and retention features. This eliminates the need for chemical adhesives and complex curing processes, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection stability.
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.