Fiber Protection Element Guiding Structure for Controlled Fracture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communications networks face high installation and repair costs due to damage from excessive forces applied to fiber cables, particularly with retractable fiber modules, where fibers can be pulled out of termination units, requiring costly and time-consuming on-site repairs.
Innovation Solution
A protection element with a guiding structure that includes a fiber retaining element and a cutting member, guiding the fiber around the cutting member to break it upon excessive force, preventing damage to network components behind the protection element and allowing for efficient repair by accessing the protection element from the street.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex fracture component with cutting means is used to protect the fiber connection, then the fiber connection is protected against damage, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the protection function from a complex multi-component system and implements it through a single integrated guiding structure. The guiding structure incorporates both the fracture component and cutting means as inherent features rather than separate assemblies, thereby protecting the fiber connection while reducing device complexity to its essential elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding structure merges the fracture component and cutting means into a single integrated element. The guiding structure itself serves as both the mechanical guide and the fracture component that contains the cutting means, eliminating the need for separate protection mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If the fiber is protected by a complex system at the joint box, then the connecting part is protected, but the system is difficult to manufacture and prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding structure is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. Rather than using complex, expensive protection systems, the invention employs a straightforward guiding structure with inherent fracture and cutting capabilities that is economically viable and manufacturing-friendly.
3Reliability
If the fiber breaks at the termination unit, then the protection mechanism works, but repair requires on-site access to customer premises which increases cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The protection element acts as an intermediary device installed between the main cable and the termination unit. It provides a controlled failure point that protects the termination unit while allowing repairs to be performed at the accessible protection element location rather than requiring entry into customer premises.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple protection element is used, then manufacturing is easier and cost is reduced, but the protection mechanism must be reliable under excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding structure is pre-designed with built-in fracture characteristics and cutting means positioned at specific locations. This preliminary design ensures that under excessive force, the structure will fail in a controlled manner at the intended location, providing reliable protection without requiring complex active monitoring or control systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention is directed at a protection element (2) for protecting a fiber network component against damage thereof, the protection element comprising a guiding structure (4) for receiving at least one fiber, the guiding structure for guiding the fiber along a path between an entry location (20) and an exit location (22) of the fiber into and out of the protection element, wherein the guiding structure comprises: a fiber retaining element (5; 56) for retaining the fiber tightly to prevent sliding of the fiber in an axial direction thereof through the retaining element; and a cutting member (7; 55); wherein the guiding structure is arranged for guiding the fiber along the path from the entry location, via and at least partly around the circumference of the cutting member, via the fiber retaining element to the exit location, such as to break the fiber upon a tightening of the fiber around the cutting member.