Fiber Optic Cable Strength Member Bracket Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic cables with strength members pose challenges during installation due to exposed ends that can damage optical fibers, and existing protection methods are inadequate against environmental changes and external forces.
Innovation Solution
A strength member bracket that secures exposed ends of strength members to a termination point, reducing cable expansion and contraction, and protecting optical fibers by coupling the cable jacket and strength member to a termination point using a tether and fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If strength members are included in fiber optic cables to provide structural protection, then the cable strength and durability are improved, but the exposed ends of strength members cause damage to optical fibers during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function of the exposed strength member ends by removing them from the cable assembly through a cutting device, leaving only the beneficial structural function of the strength members embedded in the cable jacket
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary cutting device that acts as a mediator between the strength members and the optical fibers, safely separating the strength member ends from the cable end to prevent direct contact and potential damage
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cable jackets are used to protect optical fibers from environmental conditions, then the protection against temperature changes is improved, but the cable jackets alone do not provide adequate protection from tensile and compressive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite protective structure combining the cable jacket (providing environmental protection) with embedded strength members (providing mechanical strength), where the strength members are positioned to specifically resist tensile and compressive forces while the jacket provides corrosion and moisture protection
3Ease of operation
If strength member ends are exposed from the cable jacket for splicing, then the optical fibers can be accessed for splicing, but the exposed strength member ends are problematic and may cause damage during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable end into distinct functional zones: a protected zone where strength members are embedded and trimmed, and an accessible zone where optical fibers are exposed for splicing, allowing safe access to fibers while eliminating harmful strength member ends
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for securing an end of a fiber optic cable, having at least one strength member, to a termination point includes a base portion at a first end of the bracket, a retention feature at a second end of the bracket that is opposite to the first end, and adapted to receive and at least partially surround an exposed end of the at least one strength member, and an elongated portion extending from the base portion to the retention feature. A first flat surface, on the base portion or the elongated portion, has at least one opening adapted to receive a fastener for mounting the strength member bracket to a first mounting surface on the termination point. A first flange is disposed along the elongated portion, and adapted to receive a tether for securing a jacketed portion of the fiber optic cable to the bracket.