Fiber Optic Cable Push Body for Tight Space Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic cables with armored constructions have a large bend radius and outside diameter, making them unsuitable for tight spaces, and require fish tape for installation, which can be cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic cable assembly with a push body made of rigid materials, such as stainless steel, and an aramid and water-blocking pull material, allowing the cable to be pushed through small spaces without the need for fish tape, while maintaining flexibility and crush resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional armored fiber optic cable construction is used, then crush performance is improved, but bend radius becomes too large for tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The armor layer is segmented into discrete wire segments rather than continuous interlocking armor. These segmented wires can flex independently, allowing the cable to achieve smaller bend radii while maintaining crush resistance through the collective strength of multiple armor wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable combines multiple materials with different properties: the armor wires provide crush resistance, while the polyethylene outer jacket and internal flexible elements enable small bend radii. This composite construction resolves the contradiction between needing rigidity for crush protection and flexibility for tight bends.
2Strength
If conventional armored fiber optic cable construction is used, then crush performance is improved, but outside diameter becomes too large for small cable runs
Solution Approach 1:
The outer jacket is made from thin polyethylene material that provides protection while minimizing overall cable diameter. This thin-walled flexible shell maintains crush resistance through the armor layer while keeping the outside diameter small enough for tight cable runs.
3Strength
If conventional armored fiber optic cable construction is used, then mechanical protection is improved, but installation complexity increases due to requiring fish tape
Solution Approach 1:
The cable incorporates a push body that enables self-installation by allowing the cable to be pushed through conduits and tight spaces directly, eliminating the need for separate fish tape tools. The rigid push body acts as a self-contained installation aid integrated into the cable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid push body serves multiple functions: it facilitates installation by enabling direct pushing, provides structural support during installation, and can be removed or left in place depending on application requirements. This multi-functional element simplifies the overall installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
The specification relates to a fiber optic cable assembly. The fiber optic cable assembly includes: an outer jacket, the outer jacket being made from polyethylene; a pull material, the pull material being made from aramid and water blocking fibers; a push body, the push body being made from a rigid material so that the fiber optic cable assembly can be pushed without bending; and at least one fiber optic fiber.