Optical Branch Cable With Peelable Tape for Easier Fiber Branching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical branch cables are difficult to manufacture and require complex processes due to the need to remove extrusion coatings when branching optical fiber core wires, leading to increased labor and time in manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
The optical branch cable features a tape-wrapped outermost layer with a slit for easy peeling, allowing branch cord portions to be exposed without removing the entire coating, and includes a branch cord bag for protection and a bending restriction member to prevent damage, along with a hook and loop fastener for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extrusion coating is used to form the outermost layer, then the cable has good protection and integrity, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming due to the need to remove coating when branching optical fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The outermost layer is segmented into a removable tape portion and a permanent coating portion. The tape can be peeled away to expose optical fibers for branching operations, while the remaining coating provides ongoing protection. This segmentation allows easy access to fibers without compromising cable integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tape outermost layer is extracted as a separate, removable component from the cable structure. This allows the tape to be selectively removed at branching points to expose optical fibers, while the underlying coating remains intact to maintain cable protection throughout the branching process.
2Ease of operation
If the entire outermost layer is removed to expose optical fibers for branching, then fiber access is achieved, but cable protection is compromised and manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outermost layer structure varies locally along the cable length. At branching points, the tape portion is removed to provide fiber access. Between branching points, the tape and coating remain intact to provide protection. This local differentiation allows fiber access exactly where needed while maintaining protection elsewhere.
3Reliability
If complex manufacturing processes are used to ensure cable integrity, then cable reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tape outermost layer is pre-applied to the cable in a controlled manner during manufacturing, creating predetermined exposure points or easy-removal sections. This preliminary preparation simplifies subsequent branching operations, as workers only need to peel back the pre-positioned tape rather than perform complex removal procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical branch cable includes a main cable and a branch cord portion. The main cable includes a plurality of optical cords each including at least one optical fiber core wire, a tension member, and a tape forming an outermost layer. At least one optical fiber core wire of the branch cord portion is led out from the optical cords of the main cable to an outer side of the outermost layer. The optical branch cable includes an optical cord group and a core portion. The optical cord group includes the plurality of optical cords bundled by a first bundle. The core portion includes the optical cord group and the tension member bundled by a second bundle. The tape is wrapped by longitudinal wrapping around the core portion to cover the core portion.