Hardened Optical-Power Connectors for Outdoor Hybrid Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic networks face challenges in efficiently distributing both optical signals and power to wireless network components, particularly in outdoor environments, where power is often required for components like transceivers.
Innovation Solution
Development of hardened connectors and connector systems that integrate optical and power connections, suitable for outdoor use, using hybrid cables with central optical fibers and strippable outer sections containing electrical conductors, ensuring efficient power and fiber connections in mobile network topologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fiber optic technology is used to support wireless networks, then signal transmission speed is improved, but power distribution to wireless components becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical fiber and electrical power conductors into a single hybrid cable structure. The optical fiber is positioned centrally while power conductors are arranged in the outer sections, allowing both high-speed optical signal transmission and electrical power delivery through one integrated medium, thereby resolving the contradiction between fast signal transmission and power distribution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both an optical transmission medium for high-speed data and an electrical power delivery system. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate infrastructure for power and signal transmission, addressing the limitation of traditional fiber optic networks in providing power to wireless components
2Power
If traditional separate power and fiber connections are used, then power can be delivered to wireless components, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging power conductors and optical fibers into a single hybrid cable assembly with a unified outer jacket, the patent reduces installation complexity. Installers only need to deploy one cable type instead of maintaining separate power and fiber infrastructure, thereby reducing installation complexity and cost while preserving full power delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid cable is segmented into distinct functional zones: a central optical fiber region and outer power conductor sections, with the outer jacket providing unified protection. This segmentation allows for easy separation and connection of power and optical components at the connector level while maintaining a simple single-cable deployment architecture
3Reliability
If connectors are designed for outdoor use, then reliability in harsh conditions is improved, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a flexible outer jacket that provides environmental sealing and protection against harsh outdoor conditions. This flexible protective shell encapsulates the internal components, ensuring reliability in outdoor environments while maintaining a relatively simple connector structure by using the jacket's inherent flexibility rather than complex rigid sealing mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a hardened power and optical connection system for use with hybrid cables. The hardened power and optical connection system includes electrical pin and socket contacts for providing power connections, and ferrules for providing optical connections. The hardened power and optical connection system has an integrated fiber alignment provided through a mating relationship between a plug and a socket.