Fiber Optic Tether Attachment Structure for Damage Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Fiber optic cable assemblies are prone to damage due to forces applied during installation and removal, particularly affecting attached tethers which are often ripped or disengaged from the distribution cable, and connectors are vulnerable to damage during coiling and installation procedures.

Innovation Solution

A cable assembly with an attachment structure that allows translational movement, limited rotation, and lateral movement of tethers relative to the distribution cable, providing a protective covering for the connectorized end to prevent damage from forces and ensure secure attachment while allowing flexibility during installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the tether is firmly lashed to the distribution cable to prevent movement, then the tether is secured to the cable, but the tether becomes vulnerable to damage from forces applied during installation and removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetether attachment securityVSAvoidtether damage from forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment structure transitions from a static firm lashing to a dynamic system that allows controlled movement. The tether is attached at multiple points along its length to the distribution cable, enabling it to flex and move relative to the cable while maintaining attachment security. This dynamic attachment prevents the tether from being ripped or disengaged during installation and removal by accommodating forces through relative movement rather than rigid constraint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the tether is allowed to move freely relative to the distribution cable, then the tether is protected from damage, but the tether becomes disengaged from the cable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetether damage preventionVSAvoidtether attachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment structure divides the tether into multiple segments attached at different points along its length to the distribution cable. This segmentation allows each segment to move independently relative to the cable while maintaining overall attachment security. The tether is effectively divided into multiple attachment zones that collectively provide both movement freedom and secure attachment, preventing both disengagement and damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If the tether is firmly attached to the distribution cable, then the tether position is stable, but the connectorized end of the tether is vulnerable to damage during coiling and installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetether position stabilityVSAvoidconnector damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment structure applies different attachment characteristics at different locations along the tether. The connectorized end of the tether is provided with additional protection and attachment features compared to other portions. This local quality enhancement at the connectorized end provides extra stability and protection where it is most vulnerable during coiling and installation, while the rest of the tether maintains flexibility through the multi-point attachment system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7596291B2Attachment structure allowing movement and protection of a tether of a cable assembly

Publication Date: 2009.09.29 CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC

AI summary

A cable assembly comprising a fiber optic cable and one or more attachment points to allow one or more tethers to optically connect to optical fibers within the cable. The cable assembly may be used as a drop cable for extending optical connections to a plurality of points. An attachment structure is provided for maintaining the tether to the cable to prevent damage to the tether. The attachment structure provides a loose attachment to allow the tether to move relative to the distribution cable, so the tether can move in a generally translational movement, is able to slightly twist, and to have limited lateral movement during coiling, installation, and removal of the cable assembly. This loose attachment structure may prevent damage to the tether due to forces being placed on the cable, such as during coiling or uncoiling of the cable. In one exemplary embodiment, the attachment structure is attached to the cable and receives the tether. In another exemplary embodiment, the attachment structure include a protective covering. In another embodiment, both are employed in combination.