Optical Branching Module Cable Fixing and Boot Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical branching modules face issues with cable fixation strength, particularly in outdoor environments, due to insufficient adhesive force of double-sided tape, leading to potential malfunctions under pulling forces. Additionally, optical connector boots increase optical transmission loss when subjected to pulling loads perpendicular to the cable direction.
Innovation Solution
The optical branching module incorporates a cable fixing member with strength fibers adhered by adhesive, and an optical connector boot design featuring cylindrical units with V-shaped and U-shaped slits that allow for flexible bending and reduced side thrust, maintaining optical fiber alignment and minimizing transmission loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If double-sided adhesive tape is used to fix cables in the case, then the cables can be fixed in place, but the adhesive force is insufficient to resist pulling forces especially in outdoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite fixing structure combining adhesive force with mechanical interference. The L-shaped fixing portion integrates both adhesive bonding (through adhesive layers on the fixing portion and case) and mechanical interlocking (through the L-shaped geometry that resists pulling forces), creating a composite fixing system that overcomes the insufficiency of adhesive tape alone
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the L-shaped fixing portion with adhesive layers for bonding, the protrusion elements for mechanical interlocking, and the recessed portions for reception. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with adhesive providing baseline fixation and mechanical features providing resistance to pulling forces
2Object-affected harmful factors
If optical connector boot is attached to protect optical fibers from curvature, then side thrust is reduced, but optical transmission loss increases when pulling load is applied perpendicular to cable direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic fixing structure where the L-shaped fixing portion can flexibly accommodate pulling forces in multiple directions. The adhesive layers provide flexible bonding that allows the fixing portion to deform elastically under perpendicular loads, while the protrusions and recesses maintain fiber alignment. This dynamic response prevents rigid constraints that would cause excessive side thrust and optical loss
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 enhanced cable fixation provides stronger pulling resistance and the optical connector boot design reduces optical transmission loss by allowing gentle curvature and maintaining fiber alignment, even under perpendicular loads.
Implementation Method 1
at least portions of the optical cables, the spots including strength fibers, are adhered onto the cable fixing member by an adhesive applied from the opening portion of the cable fixing member
Data Source
AI summary
An optical branching module includes a case from which cables are drawn out and an output-cable fixing member attached onto the case by insertion. Optical cables are inserted into cable insertion holes of the optical cable fixing member, and the optical cables are fixed to the optical cable fixing member by an adhesive applied from an opening portion. The optical branching module includes a cable boot configured not to be bent in a radius of curvature smaller than the allowed radius of curvature of the optical cables.