Figure-8 Cable Assembly Removable Jacket for Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite electric and optical aerial cables are unsuitable for separating into self-standing cables with a circular cross-section and small diameter, as their outer jackets are not configured for removal, leading to irregular surfaces and installation difficulties when separated.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly with an optical core and electric core, each having an independent extruded sheath, surrounded by a removable common figure-8 outer jacket, allowing for easy separation into self-standing cables with a reduced diameter and suitable mechanical resistance for deployment in existing ducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a composite electric and optical aerial cable with a common outer jacket is used, then the cable can be installed as a single unit, but it cannot be easily separated into self-standing cables with a circular cross-section
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly is segmented into two separate self-standing cables, each with its own circular cross-section. The common outer jacket is designed to be removable, allowing the electric and optical cables to be separated while maintaining their individual circular shapes and dimensions suitable for duct installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric and optical cables are extracted from the common outer jacket as separate self-standing units. Each cable is provided with an independent extruded sheath that maintains its circular cross-section, allowing them to be taken out and installed separately in existing ducts.
2Ease of operation
If the web connecting the two lobes is cut to separate electric and optical cables, then separation is achieved, but web residues remain on the cable surfaces making installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The web connecting the two lobes is completely extracted and removed from the cable assembly. This ensures that no web residues remain on the surfaces of the separated electric and optical cables, eliminating installation difficulties caused by irregular surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The common outer jacket is segmented into two separate circular cables without leaving any connecting web residues. The separation process cleanly divides the assembly into two independent cables with smooth surfaces suitable for duct installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the outer jacket is not configured for removal, then the cable maintains structural integrity, but separation into self-standing cables is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The common outer jacket is designed as a removable segment that can be easily taken off while the inner extruded sheaths maintain the structural integrity of the separated cables. This allows the cable assembly to be adaptable for separation while each individual cable retains its mechanical resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The independent extruded sheaths are pre-formed around each cable core before the common outer jacket is applied. This preliminary action ensures that when the common jacket is removed, the self-standing cables already have the necessary mechanical strength and circular cross-section for installation.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
It is disclosed a cable assembly comprising a common figure-8 outer jacket comprising a first lobe and a second lobe, wherein the first lobe surrounds an electric core with a relevant first extruded inner sheath housing a strength member; and the second lobe surrounds an optical core with a relevant second extruded inner sheath.