Hybrid Drop Cable Structure for Multi-Method Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art hybrid drop cables are not suitable for diverse installation techniques and environments, lacking the necessary tensile strength and stiffness for installations like overhead or duct deployments, and the separation of optical fibers from conductors is difficult, complicating connections to 5G small cell radio access nodes.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid drop cable design featuring a transmission core with insulated conductors and an optical sub-core surrounded by a sleeve, accompanied by a strength member providing the required tensile strength and stiffness, allowing installation through various techniques and environments, with a diameter equal to or greater than the transmission core, and an outer sheath for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hybrid drop cable is designed with a compact structure for ease of installation, then the cable becomes easier to handle and install, but the cable lacks sufficient tensile strength and stiffness for overhead or duct deployments
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into distinct functional segments: a transmission core containing optical fibers and electrical conductors, and a separate strength member providing mechanical support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the transmission core remains compact for ease of installation while the strength member provides the necessary tensile strength and stiffness for various deployment environments including overhead and duct installations.
2Device complexity
If the cable structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then manufacturing and installation become easier, but the separation of optical fibers from conductors becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable employs a segmented architecture where the transmission core contains both optical fibers and electrical conductors in distinct, organized sections. This segmentation maintains relative simplicity of the overall structure while enabling easy separation of components during manufacturing and installation processes, as each component type is clearly defined and accessible within its designated section.
Data Source
AI summary
A drop cable includes a transmission core, a strength member arranged alongside the transmission core and an outer sheath surrounding the transmission core and the strength member. The transmission core comprises two insulated conductors and an optical sub-core comprising one or more optical fibers, the optical sub-core and the insulated metallic conductors being stranded together and surrounded by a sleeve. Moreover, a diameter of the strength member is substantially equal to or higher than a diameter of the transmission core.