Fiber Optic Distribution Cable Access Tool and Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for distributing optical fibers from fiber optic cables are cumbersome, require multiple breaches in the cable jacket, and result in large, stiff distribution cables that are difficult to route through installations due to the need for extensive protection and sealing, limiting bandwidth availability to subscribers.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing fiber optic distribution cables that involves creating a small opening in the protective covering, cutting the optical fiber within the cable at a downstream location, and routing it outside, allowing for a longer distribution fiber length with a smaller footprint, using a tool with a flexible cutting element and optional components like transition tubes and caps for protection and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a long breach is made in the cable jacket to access sufficient optical fiber length, then the required fiber length is available, but the cable becomes large, stiff, and difficult to route through installations
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is segmented into two functional parts: a protected main cable portion and a separate distribution fiber portion. The optical fiber is cut within the cable and routed through a small opening, separating the long fiber length requirement from the small cable opening, thus providing sufficient fiber length while maintaining cable flexibility and ease of routing.
Solution Approach 2:
A transition tube or conduit acts as an intermediary element, allowing the optical fiber to extend from within the protected cable through a small opening to the outside environment. This intermediary structure enables the fiber to achieve the required length without requiring a large breach in the cable jacket.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple breaches are made in the cable jacket to access and present optical fiber, then fiber distribution is achieved, but the cable structure becomes complex and requires extensive sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is extracted from within the cable at a single location. By making one opening and routing the fiber through it, the system achieves fiber distribution without requiring multiple breaches or complex sealing structures. The fiber is taken out at the point of need, simplifying the overall cable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single opening structure serves multiple functions: it provides access to the optical fiber, allows the fiber to extend to the required length, and maintains cable integrity with minimal sealing requirements. This universal structure replaces the need for multiple specialized breaches and sealing components.
3Length of moving object
If the cable jacket is breached extensively to provide fiber access, then sufficient fiber length is obtained, but environmental protection and cable sealing become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extensively breaching the cable jacket, a small localized opening is made at the specific access point. This local quality approach maintains the protective integrity of the majority of the cable jacket while providing sufficient fiber length through the small opening, thus preserving environmental protection and cable sealing effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber optic distribution cables and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The methods present one or more optical fibers outward of the protective covering for distribution of the same toward the subscriber. Specifically, the methods include presenting a length of distribution optical fiber outward of the protective covering that is longer than the opening at access location. After the opening is made in the protective covering at the access location, the optical fibers for distribution are selected. Then a tool according to the present invention is positioned about the optical fibers selected for distribution and slid within the protective covering of the fiber optic distribution cable until it reaches a cutting location within the fiber optic distribution cable. Consequently, the tool is positioned for cutting the distribution optical fiber at a cutting location within the fiber optic distribution cable at a downstream location. Thereafter, the tool is removed and the cut distribution optical fiber is routed through the opening at the access location so the distribution optical fiber is presented outside the protective covering.