Fiber Optic Connector Strength Member Fixation via Heat-Recoverable Tube
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for terminating and fixing fiber optic cables to connectors are prone to maintenance issues, leading to potential damage from pulling forces due to the sliding of strength members out of crimped positions.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector assembly that includes a strength member clamp and a heat-recoverable tube to securely fix the strength member layer of the cable, with a method involving stripping the outer jacket to expose the optical fiber and strength member, folding the strength member layer over the clamp, and using the heat-recoverable tube to secure it to the connector body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strength members are crimped down by a metallic crimp sleeve, then the cable is fixed to the connector body, but the strength members can slide out of the crimp during loads on the connector when proper maintenance is not performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical crimping system with a heat-recoverable tube that uses thermal contraction to secure the strength members. The heat-recoverable tube is heated to expand, allowing insertion over the strength members, then cools to contract and firmly grip them, eliminating the need for mechanical crimping and subsequent maintenance calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the heat-recoverable tube material, specifically its thermal expansion and contraction properties. By heating the tube to expand it for installation and then allowing it to cool and contract, the strength members are securely captured without requiring mechanical adjustment or maintenance.
2Ease of manufacture
If the outer jacket is stripped to expose the strength member layer, then the strength member can be captured by the clamp, but the optical fiber becomes exposed and vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by folding the strength member layer over the heat-recoverable tube before the tube is contracted. This ensures the strength members are properly positioned and captured in advance, allowing the outer jacket to be stripped without exposing the optical fiber to damage during the securing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nesting by placing the heat-recoverable tube over the strength members, which are folded over the tube. The tube then contracts to enclose and secure the strength members, creating a nested structure that protects the optical fiber while allowing easy access to the strength members for capture.
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 solution provides a low-maintenance, effective fixation that limits damage to optical fibers by ensuring the strength member layer is securely captured, preventing sliding and maintaining connection integrity under pulling forces.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-recoverable tube placed over the strength member clamp... a first portion of the exposed length of the strength member layer is captured between the connector body and the strength member clamp and a second portion of the exposed length of the strength member layer is captured between the heat-recoverable tube and the strength member clamp
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic connector assembly having a fiber optic connector including a main connector body and a rear insert secured within a rear cable termination end of the main connector body. The fiber optic connector assembly has a fiber optic cable that includes an optical fiber, a strength layer and an outer jacket. The optical fiber has a ferrule-less end portion accessible at a front mating end of the main connector body. A first shape recoverable sleeve secures the optical fiber to a substrate anchored to the rear insert. An axial gap exists between the forward end of the outer jacket and the rearward end of the rear insert. A second shape recoverable sleeve secures the outer jacket to the rear insert. An adhesive material at least partially fills the axial gap.