Fiber Optic Hydra Cable Transition Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fiber optic networking, there is a need for efficient breakout designs that manage the transition of multiple fibers from a multi-fiber cable to individual furcation tubes while addressing concerns such as bend radius, stress on fibers, and environmental impacts, which existing solutions do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A cable transition design that includes a linking structure between multi-fiber cables and furcation tubes, utilizing a rigid front housing and elastomeric front boot to guide and compress furcation tubes, combined with a rear housing and heat shrink to secure the multi-fiber cable, and the use of adhesive to create a sealed and stress-reduced environment for the fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual fibers are shielded separately, then each fiber is well protected, but the cable diameter becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fiber shields into a single common shield that surrounds multiple fibers together. This merging approach provides adequate protection for individual fibers while maintaining a compact cable diameter, resolving the contradiction between fiber protection and cable size.
2Volume of moving object
If fibers are bundled into multi-fiber cables, then space is saved, but the ability to connect to equipment requiring individual fiber connectors is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-fiber cable into individual fiber sections within the connector assembly, allowing each fiber to be individually connected to separate connectors while maintaining the space efficiency of the bundled cable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable transition assembly as an intermediary component that bridges the multi-fiber cable and individual fiber connectors. This mediator enables connectivity to equipment requiring individual connectors while preserving the compact multi-fiber cable structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cable transition structures are used to breakout fibers, then individual fiber access is achieved, but fiber stress and bend radius issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible boot components that provide gentle guidance and support for fibers during the breakout process. These flexible elements maintain appropriate bend radii and reduce mechanical stress on fibers, preserving fiber reliability while enabling individual fiber access.
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
This design enhances the integrity and optical performance of fiber optic connections by reducing stress on fibers, minimizing adhesive usage for cost savings and improved performance, and allowing for flexible mounting configurations of hydra cable assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a rear boot and heat shrink disposed over the rear housing, wherein the heat shrink is contracted over the rear housing to secure the rear boot to the rear housing
Implementation Method 2
a means for joining the front housing and the rear housing together, wherein the joining means comprises adhesive disposed between the front housing and the rear housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to fiber optic hydra cable assemblies and components thereof. In an embodiment, the present invention is a fiber optic cable transition which includes a front housing having a front opening, a rear opening, and an internal wall positioned inside of the front housing. The fiber optic cable transition also includes a front boot having a distal end, a proximal end, and a flange, the front boot being positioned at least partially inside the front housing such that the flange abuts the internal wall. The fiber optic cable transition also includes a rear housing having a distal end and a proximal end, where the rear opening of the front housing is joined to the proximal end of the rear housing.