Intermittently Bonded Optical Fiber Ribbon Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber ribbons have large dimensions due to mass fusion splicing, leading to increased cable diameters and requiring multiple buffer tubes, which complicates installation and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
An intermittently bonded optical fiber ribbon is created by arranging optical fibers in parallel and partially bonding them with a matrix material at specific intervals, allowing for reduced dimensions, increased flexibility, and easier installation, using a colored fluorescent matrix material and a polyester binder to reduce the need for buffer tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical fibers are fully bonded with matrix material to form conventional optical fiber ribbons, then mass fusion splicing capability is achieved, but the ribbon dimensions and cable diameter increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding of optical fibers is segmented into discrete intervals rather than continuous bonding. Matrix material is applied only at specific bonding zones along the ribbon length, creating alternating bonded and unbonded sections. This segmentation maintains sufficient structural integrity for handling and splicing while dramatically reducing the total volume of matrix material required, thereby reducing ribbon and cable dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The matrix material is applied with non-uniform distribution along the ribbon length, creating local bonding zones rather than uniform continuous bonding. Each bonding zone provides localized structural support and fiber alignment, while the unbonded sections reduce overall material volume. This local quality approach optimizes the balance between structural integrity and size reduction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional optical fiber ribbons with continuous bonding are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but flexibility and rollability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous bonding structure is divided into discrete bonding segments separated by unbonded sections. The unbonded sections act as flexible hinges that enable the ribbon to bend and roll more easily, while the bonded sections provide structural integrity and maintain fiber alignment. This segmented structure creates a balance between rigidity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribbon structure transitions from a static continuous bonding model to a dynamic segmented bonding model where bonded and unbonded sections alternate. This dynamic structure allows the ribbon to adapt its rigidity along its length, providing stiffness where needed for handling and flexibility where needed for routing and installation.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple buffer tubes are used to accommodate large numbers of ribbons, then fiber capacity is increased, but cable diameter and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical fiber ribbons are merged into a single compact cable structure without requiring separate buffer tubes for each ribbon. The intermittently bonded design allows multiple ribbons to be closely packed and integrated into one cable, eliminating the need for multiple buffer tubes and reducing overall cable complexity while maintaining high fiber capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer tube component is extracted or eliminated from the cable structure. By removing the buffer tube requirement through the use of intermittently bonded ribbons that can be directly installed in cable, the cable structure is simplified while still accommodating large numbers of fibers through efficient space utilization.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in a compact optical fiber ribbon with reduced diameter, high fiber density, and enhanced flexibility, facilitating easier deployment and mass fusion splicing while minimizing cable diameter and weight.
Implementation Method 1
intermittently bonding the plurality of optical fibers partially at specific intervals using a matrix material
Implementation Method 2
the matrix material is fluorescent matrix material
Data Source
AI summary
The method for creating an optical fiber ribbon of the present disclosure includes a first step of arranging a plurality of optical fibers in parallel to each other for creating the optical fiber ribbon. In addition, the method includes a second step of intermittently bonding the plurality of optical fibers partially at specific intervals using a matrix material. Further, intermittent bonding of the plurality of optical fibers is in pattern of text. Furthermore, intermittent bonding of the plurality of optical fibers allows the optical fiber ribbon to bend along preferential axis. Moreover, intermittent bonding of the plurality of optical fibers is in pattern of text.