Flexible Fiber Node Connector for Multi-Fiber Cable Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber connectors for multi-fiber cables restrict installation angles, leading to potential bending or kinking of fibers, which can result in damage and loss of optical signal due to their fixed shape and inability to adapt to varying orientations of fiber nodes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible connector design featuring a connector body with a flexible duct that can bend and flex, allowing the connector to be aligned at any angle relative to the fiber node without twisting or kinking the fibers, utilizing a rotating and axially movable configuration to accommodate different orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed-shape connector is used, then the connector structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the connector cannot adapt to varying orientations of fiber nodes, causing bending or kinking of fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is designed with flexible segments that allow it to change shape and bend, transforming from a static fixed-structure to a dynamic adaptable-structure. This enables the connector to adjust to different orientations and angles of fiber nodes while maintaining fiber integrity, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates flexible ducts and bellows-like structures that can bend and flex without compromising structural integrity. These flexible components allow the connector to adapt to varying orientations of fiber nodes while protecting the fibers from bending or kinking, thus improving adaptability without significantly increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If a fixed-angle connector is used, then the installation process is straightforward, but the fiber cables are subjected to bending forces that can cause damage and signal loss
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connector body can dynamically adjust its shape during installation to accommodate different orientations and angles of fiber nodes. This eliminates the need for forceful installation that would otherwise bend or kink the fibers, thereby improving fiber cable integrity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible ducts within the connector allow the fiber cables to pass through without being subjected to bending forces. The flexible structure absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses, protecting the fibers from damage during installation and operation, thus improving reliability without complicating the installation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector body is made rigid for structural stability, then the connector maintains its shape, but it cannot bend or flex to accommodate different installation angles
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is divided into multiple segments or flexible sections that can bend relative to each other. This segmentation allows the connector to change its overall shape and accommodate different installation angles while each individual segment maintains its structural stability and shape integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates flexible bellows-like structures and ducts that provide controlled flexibility. These flexible components allow the connector to bend and flex to accommodate different installation angles while maintaining sufficient structural stability to protect the fibers and maintain connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber node connector includes a first duct fitting and a second duct fitting. The first duct fitting is configured to be fixedly coupled with a flexible duct, to couple a nut with the flexible duct, to permit the nut to rotate relative to the flexible duct, and to permit limited relative axial movement between the nut and the flexible duct. The second duct fitting is configured to be axially and rotatably fixed to the flexible duct, to couple a connector body to the flexible duct, to permit the connector body to rotate relative to the flexible duct, and to permit limited relative axial movement between the connector body and the flexible duct.