Fiber Optic Extension Sleeve for Splice Protector Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic splice closures are inadequate for easy access and management of splice protectors and exposed fiber strands, making it difficult to perform reworks or replacements, especially when the cable is too short or not designed to support existing closures.
Innovation Solution
A flexible fiber optic cable extension sleeve with longitudinal receiving channels and attachment members that securely hold splice protectors, allowing for easy access and extension of the cable, which can be re-opened for repairs and re-termination, and is attachable via cable glands or heat shrink methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fiber optic splice closure is used to manage and protect splice protectors and exposed fiber strands, then the fiber strands are protected, but it becomes difficult to access additional cable or perform reworks and connector replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the cable management system into segments: the original cable, the extension sleeve, and the splice closure. The extension sleeve acts as an intermediate segment that provides access to additional fiber length without requiring access to the entire cable run, enabling localized reworks while maintaining protection of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension sleeve serves as an intermediary component between the original cable and the splice closure. It provides the necessary additional fiber length and access points without interfering with the protective function of the splice closure, while enabling easier maintenance operations.
2Device complexity
If the cable is made shorter to reduce installation complexity, then installation is simpler, but the cable becomes too short to facilitate technician handling and access additional cable for reworks
Solution Approach 1:
The extension sleeve is pre-configured with the necessary fiber strands and splice protectors before installation. This preliminary preparation allows technicians to perform splicing and termination operations without needing to manage excessively long cable lengths during the actual installation process, while still providing sufficient working length when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension sleeve adds functional length in a different dimensional approach - rather than extending the main cable run linearly, it provides additional fiber strands within a compact sleeve structure that can be integrated at specific termination points, effectively adding length where needed without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing cable is used without extension, then installation costs are lower, but the cable cannot support additional splice protectors or facilitate easy repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The extension sleeve is designed as a universal component that can be applied to various cable types and configurations. It provides multiple functions: extending fiber length, housing additional splice protectors, enabling future repairs, and maintaining cable organization - all within a single standardized component that can be used across different installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension sleeve changes the effective parameters of the cable system by adding extendable fiber strands and additional splice protector capacity. This allows the original cable to maintain its cost-effective design while the extension sleeve provides the additional adaptability and repair capability when needed, effectively decoupling the base cable specifications from the extended functionality requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to techniques for facilitating termination of fiber optic cable ends, and consists of a fiber optic cable extension, based on a re-openable jacket sleeve, which is designed to support a multitude of spliced fibers. The sleeve, typically flexible, involves splicing of a multiple fiber optic cable with pigtails, where fiber splices are integrated onto the re-openable jacket sleeve.