Fibre Optic Cable Adaptor with Retaining Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of fibre optic cables into receptacles is time-consuming and requires skilled personnel, as it involves both optical and mechanical connections, which can be challenging in field conditions without proper tools and environments.
Innovation Solution
A system with a cable adaptor that predetermines the distance between the optic connector housing and the receptacle's anchoring element, using a connector retaining element to securely house the connector and prevent movement, allowing for pre-connectorization in a controlled factory environment and easy field installation without specialized operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fibre optic cables are connected in the field by skilled personnel, then optical and mechanical connections can be established, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized tools and controlled environments
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-assembled and pre-positioned on the cable at the factory with the retaining element already engaged, establishing the optical connection before field installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for skilled personnel to perform complex connectorization in the field, reducing installation time while maintaining connection reliability through factory-controlled precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the connectorization process into two distinct phases: factory assembly of the connector with the cable, and field installation of the pre-assembled unit. This segmentation allows the complex optical connection work to be done in a controlled factory environment while the field installation becomes a simple plug-and-play operation requiring minimal skill and time
2Ease of operation
If fibre optic cables are pre-connectorized in the factory, then installation becomes simpler and faster, but the connector may move or become damaged during storage and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is pre-engaged with the connector and cable assembly at the factory, providing protective restraint before the product enters storage and transport. This beforehand cushioning prevents movement and damage during handling while allowing easy release during installation by simply disengaging the retaining element
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element acts as a flexible protective shell that encompasses the connector and cable assembly, providing mechanical protection and position stabilization during storage and transport. This flexible restraint can be easily removed or disengaged during installation while having provided continuous protection throughout the supply chain
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is allowed to move relative to the cable, then installation flexibility is improved, but optical alignment precision and connection reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the connector position into two states: fixed during storage/transport (retaining element engaged) and flexible during installation (retaining element disengaged). This segmentation allows precision to be maintained when needed while providing flexibility when required, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element provides dynamic control of the connector position - constraining movement during storage and transport, but allowing easy displacement during installation. This dynamic behavior enables the system to switch between precision maintenance and installation flexibility modes as needed throughout the product lifecycle
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for plugging a fibre optic cable into a fibre optic receptacle which comprises: a base element having at least one base port, and an adapter unit having at least one adapter, said at least one adapter and said at least one base port being spaced of a predetermined length. The system comprises a cable adaptor associated to the fibre optic cable, the cable adaptor comprising: a connector for being plugged into said adapter; an anchoring device for anchoring said fibre optic cable to said base port, and a connector retaining element for receiving the connector and a cable end portion, the connector retaining element defining said predetermined length and removably engaging with the anchoring device. The present invention further relates to a cable adaptor for a fibre optic cable and to a method of installing a fibre optic cable into a fibre optic receptacle, especially into a joint closure.