Fiber Optic Cable Assembly Transition Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic cable assemblies face challenges in providing durable, secure, and aesthetically pleasing transition configurations from flexible split-tubes to fiber optic pigtails, while maintaining a minimal profile to facilitate routing through narrow passages and curved pathways.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a fiber optic cable assembly with a flexible split sleeve and transition configurations that include tape and heat-shrink layers to secure binding elements and pigtails, allowing for flexible routing and a sleek appearance, with transitions designed to minimize cross-sectional area and prevent interference with pathway routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transition configurations are added to secure binding elements and pigtails, then reliability and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transition configuration employs nested layers where the heat shrink layer is positioned over the tape layer, which in turn secures the binding elements. This nested structure provides multiple securing functions in a compact arrangement, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through hierarchical organization of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition configuration merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the tape layer both secures binding elements and provides structural support, while the heat shrink layer simultaneously protects the transition area and maintains cable integrity. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, improving security without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If the cable assembly uses a flexible split sleeve to protect the core, then reliability and protection are improved, but the cross-sectional area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable core is protected by a flexible split sleeve that acts as a thin protective shell around the bundled cables. This flexible shell provides protection against environmental factors and mechanical damage while maintaining a compact profile, as the sleeve conforms to the cable bundle shape and does not substantially increase the cross-sectional area.
Solution Approach 2:
The split sleeve is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing it to conform to the dynamic shape of the cable bundle during installation and routing. This flexibility enables the protective covering to maintain minimal cross-sectional area while providing reliable protection, as it can bend and flex without adding rigid bulk.
3Ease of operation
If transitions are designed with smooth configurations, then ease of operation for routing is improved, but the ability to secure binding elements may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transition configuration is segmented into distinct functional layers: the tape layer for securing binding elements with its adhesive and wrapping capability, and the heat shrink layer for providing a smooth outer surface that facilitates easy routing. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, maintaining both securing capability and ease of operation.
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
The solution provides a durable, secure, and aesthetically pleasing transition from the bundled core to individual pigtails, enabling flexible routing through narrow passages and curved conduits without increasing the cable assembly's cross-sectional area, while maintaining the cable's flexibility and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The transitions also include first heat shrink layers positioned over the first and second ends of the split sleeve. The first heat shrink layers of the transitions also extend outwardly from the first and second ends of the split sleeve so as to cover at least portions of the first tape layers that extend outwardly beyond the first and second ends of the split sleeve.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic cable arrangement including a plurality of fiber optic cables. At a central section of the fiber optic cable arrangement, the fiber optic cables are arranged in a core and are protected by an outer split sleeve. At end sections of the fiber optic cable arrangement, the fiber optic cables form connectorized pigtails. Transitions form demarcation locations (e.g., fan-out or break-out locations) between the central section and the end sections. The transitions include one or more tape layers and/or one or more heat shrink layers.