Fiber Optic Connector Crimp Tube Assembly for High Tensile Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-density fiber optic connector panels face issues with connector size reduction and spacing optimization, leading to physical obstructions that impede cable access and increase stress on cables and connectors, potentially causing latent defects and network disruptions, especially under high tensile loads during installation and use.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector assembly with a crimp tube assembly featuring multiple crimp zones and an annular recess, secured with epoxy or resin, which secures the fiber optic cable jacket and strength members, allowing for high tensile loads up to 650 Newtons and improved reliability by distributing stress evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If connector size is shrunk to increase panel density, then panel connector density is improved, but cable access is impeded and stress on cables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates a release mechanism nested within the connector housing structure. The release tab is integrated into the housing, allowing operators to access and manipulate the release mechanism despite the compact panel layout, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving high panel density.
2Quantity of substance
If connector size is shrunk to increase panel density, then panel connector density is improved, but stress on cables and connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: a crimp tube assembly for cable securing, a release mechanism for disconnection, and a housing for structural support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the crimp tube providing robust cable anchoring independent of the compact housing dimensions, thereby maintaining strength despite reduced overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism utilizes a tab extending from the housing that can be accessed from the panel front, transforming a potentially hidden internal mechanism into an externally accessible control. This dimensional arrangement allows operators to manipulate the release mechanism without needing access to the rear or sides of the connector, maintaining ease of operation in high-density configurations.
3Quantity of substance
If spacing between adjacent connectors is reduced to increase panel density, then panel connector density is improved, but physical obstructions impede cable access
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is extracted as a separate, accessible component from the internal connector assembly. The release tab extends outward from the housing, allowing operators to access and manipulate the release mechanism from the panel front without needing to access the rear or sides of the connector, thereby maintaining ease of operation in high-density configurations.
4Strength
If crimp tube assembly is used to secure cable under high tensile loads, then cable securing strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crimp tube assembly is merged with the connector housing structure, where the crimp tube serves dual functions: securing the cable through crimping and providing a mounting surface for the release mechanism. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall assembly process, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high cable securing strength.
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 secures the fiber optic cable under high tensile loads, reducing the risk of defects and network disruptions by evenly distributing stress and enhancing the integrity of terminations, while also reducing inventory and installation time through a compact and reliable connector design.
Implementation Method 1
a crimp tube assembly (30). The crimp tube assembly is crimped to the backpost of the inner fiber optic connector
Implementation Method 2
an inner lip is received within an annular recess formed as part of the backpost or backbody of the fiber optic connector. The crimp assembly may be configured to receive a resin or epoxy to bond the fiber optic cable jacket within the crimp tube assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optical connector assembly with a crimp tube assembly improves tensile load on the optical fiber cable or microduct jacket when the connector assembly is used as part of an optical network that is secured between towers spaced apart 1,000 meters or more. The crimp tube assembly has one or more crimp zones, and the crimp tube assembly has a lip formed on an inner surface of the crimp right assembly to improve tensile strength when the crimp tube assembly is secured to a back post of a first fiber optic connector assembly that is air blown or push through a duct or conduit. An epoxy resin may be injected into a cavity between the cable jacket and the crimp tube assembly to improve tensile load strength.