Fiber Optic Pigtail Assembly for Ribbon-to-Loose Fiber Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fiber optic pigtails require time-consuming and expensive field operations for ribbonizing or de-ribbonizing optical fibers to terminate fiber optic cables, especially when routing ribbonized fibers in confined spaces, which complicates the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic pigtail assembly with a ribbonized first portion and a loose second portion allows for termination of both ribbonized and non-ribbonized cables without changing the fiber ribbonization, using fusion or mechanical splicing, and includes a protective feature to prevent damage during handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fiber optic pigtail assemblies use separate strain relief members and coating removal tools, then the assembly process requires multiple discrete components, but this increases device complexity and potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the strain relief member and coating removal tool into a single integrated assembly tool. The strain relief member includes an integrated coating removal tool with a cutting edge positioned to remove coating from the fiber optic cable during the strain relief attachment process, eliminating the need for separate discrete tools and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The strain relief member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides strain relief to the fiber optic cable, acts as a coating removal tool through its integrated cutting edge, and facilitates the assembly process. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining or improving assembly reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If manual coating removal is performed before strain relief attachment, then coating can be removed from the fiber optic cable, but this increases labor time and potential for operator error
Solution Approach 1:
The coating removal tool is pre-positioned on the strain relief member with its cutting edge aligned to automatically remove coating from the fiber optic cable during the strain relief attachment process. This eliminates the need for separate preliminary manual coating removal steps, reducing both assembly time and potential for operator error while maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The strain relief member performs the coating removal function itself during the attachment process through its integrated cutting edge, rather than requiring a separate manual operation. The tool serves itself by incorporating the coating removal capability directly into the strain relief attachment mechanism, reducing labor time and simplifying the manufacturing process
3Reliability
If protective coating is removed from the fiber optic cable to attach strain relief, then strain relief can be properly attached, but this exposes the fiber to damage from sharp objects and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief member is designed to provide immediate protection to the exposed fiber optic cable core immediately after coating removal. The strain relief attachment creates a protective barrier over the freshly exposed fiber, cushioning it from potential damage by sharp objects or contamination before the operator can inadvertently expose it to harm
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design ensures that coating removal and strain relief attachment occur in a single continuous motion, with the strain relief member providing immediate protective coverage as soon as the coating is removed. This preliminary protective action minimizes the time the fiber core is exposed to potential damage, maintaining attachment reliability while reducing vulnerability
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate tools are used for fiber optic cable assembly, then each function can be performed with specialized equipment, but this increases the number of handling steps and potential for contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coating removal tool and strain relief member into a single integrated assembly tool. This combination maintains manufacturing precision by preserving the specialized cutting edge for coating removal while eliminating multiple handling steps and reducing the number of discrete components that need to be managed during assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber optic pigtail assembly that includes a plurality of optical fibers and at least one optical connector. The optical fibers each have a first end opposite a second end. The plurality of optical fibers are ribbonized together from the first end of each of the plurality of optical fibers partway toward the second end of each of the plurality of optical fibers and form a ribbonized end portion. The at least one optical connector is connected to the second end of each of the plurality of optical fibers. A loose portion of the plurality of optical fibers is positioned between the at least one optical connector and the ribbonized end portion.