Optical Fiber Ribbon Bridge Portions for 250 µm Pitch Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical fibers with small diameters (220 µm or less) face difficulties in being mounted in existing fusion splicers with a 250 µm pitch, leading to insufficient flexibility and high-density mounting challenges, and intermittent connection types struggle with high-speed and accurate manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

An optical fiber ribbon with optical fibers of 220 µm or less, featuring a connecting resin and bridge portions between fibers, allowing for easy mounting in a 250 µm pitch V-groove, improved flexibility, and high-density mounting, with a Young's modulus of 0.5 MPa to 200 MPa and a deformation parameter within specific ranges to prevent buckling and transmission loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If optical fibers with small diameter (220 µm or less) are used, then high-density mounting capability is improved, but flexibility and ease of mounting in existing fusion splicers deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting densityVSAvoidease of mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the optical fiber ribbon by controlling the outer diameter (220 µm or less) and the distance between fiber centers (220-280 µm), which allows high-density mounting while maintaining compatibility with existing 250 µm pitch fusion splicers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces bridge portions made of connecting resin that provide flexible connection between optical fibers, allowing the ribbon to bend and adapt to mounting conditions while maintaining fiber positioning, thus improving both flexibility and ease of mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If bridge portions are provided between all optical fibers, then structural stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection structure by providing bridge portions only between adjacent optical fibers in specific patterns rather than creating a continuous connection structure, which simplifies manufacturing while maintaining structural stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by providing bridge portions between some adjacent optical fibers rather than all possible combinations, which reduces manufacturing complexity and time while still achieving sufficient structural stability for high-density mounting

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Quantity of substance

If the distance between optical fiber centers is reduced for high-density mounting, then mounting density is improved, but flexibility and ease of handling deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting densityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the distance between optical fiber centers to be 220-280 µm, which is reduced enough for high-density mounting but maintained within a range that preserves flexibility and compatibility with existing 250 µm pitch equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge portions made of connecting resin act as intermediaries between optical fibers, allowing close spacing for high-density mounting while providing the flexibility needed for handling and mounting in existing fusion splicers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 optical fiber ribbon achieves easy mounting in existing fusion splicers, enhanced flexibility, and reduced transmission loss in low-temperature environments, while maintaining appropriate rigidity for high-density optical fiber cable integration.

Implementation Method 1

a connecting resin for connecting the plurality of optical fibers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

optical fibers disposed in parallel to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3978976B1Optical fiber tape core wire, optical fiber cable, and method of manufacturing optical fiber tape core wire
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3978976B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3978976B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3978976B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

This optical fiber tape core wire (1) has: a plurality of optical fiber core wires (11) that are arranged in parallel to each other; a connection resin (21) that connects the plurality of optical fiber core wires (11); and a bridge part (21a) that is formed of the connection resin (21). The plurality of optical fiber core wires (11) are arranged in a state in which a side surface of an optical fiber core wire (11) is separated from or in contact with a side surface of another adjacent optical fiber core wire (11), the bridge part (21a) is provided between the optical fiber core wires (11) arranged in the separated state, the outer diameter of the optical fiber core wire (11) is 220 µm or less, and the average distance between the centers of the plurality of optical fiber core wires (11) is 220-280 µm.