Optical Cable Attachment Body for Compact Multiport Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy optical cables with large diameters are incompatible with compact next generation multiports or terminals due to their smaller ports, necessitating a solution for interoperability.

Innovation Solution

An attachment body and optical cable assembly system comprising an attachment body that reduces the size of the optical cable to fit into compact multiports, using a heat shrink and adhesive to secure the cable and enhance the cable securing portion, and adhesive to secure the cable assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If legacy optical cables with large diameters are used, then compatibility with existing cable infrastructure is maintained, but they cannot be connected to compact multiports with smaller ports

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidcable diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the optical cable is inserted into a cable securing portion that is itself nested within the attachment body. The heat shrink material is then collapsed to nest tightly around the cable, creating a compact configuration that fits through small ports while maintaining the cable's structural integrity and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the cable assembly by applying heat shrink material that transitions from an expanded state (allowing easy cable insertion) to a collapsed state (reducing diameter to fit compact multiports). This parameter change enables the same cable to adapt to different size requirements without modifying the cable itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cable diameter is reduced to fit compact multiports, then compatibility with new devices is achieved, but cable strength and structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidcable strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials including heat shrink material, adhesive, and cable securing portion working together to maintain cable strength. The heat shrink material provides mechanical reinforcement, the adhesive creates strong bonding between components, and the composite structure distributes mechanical loads, ensuring the cable maintains its strength despite the reduced overall diameter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a circular cross-sectional geometry for the attachment body and cable securing portion. This curved, spherical-like structure distributes mechanical stresses evenly around the cable, preventing stress concentration points that could compromise cable strength. The circular shape also provides optimal structural efficiency for withstanding external forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If heat shrink and adhesive are used to secure the cable, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heat shrink material provides self-service functionality by automatically contracting around the cable when heated, creating a secure mechanical bond without requiring additional fastening components or complex assembly steps. The adhesive similarly self-bonds to both the cable and attachment body, eliminating the need for mechanical fasteners and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transition of the heat shrink material from an expanded polymer state to a contracted state when exposed to heat. This phase change automatically secures the cable in place, providing reliable connection through a simple thermal process rather than complex mechanical assembly, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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

Enables legacy optical cables to be compatible with compact multiports, providing robust and reliable optical connections.

Implementation Method 1

collapsing a heat shrink to reduce a size of the optical cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat shrink: Thermal Contraction

Implementation Method 2

adhesive to secure the cable and enhance the cable securing portion, and adhesive to secure the cable assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4174545B1Attachment bodies and optical cable assemblies for mating with compact multiports

Publication Date: 2025.12.17 CORNING RES & DEV CORP

Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C

AI summary

Attachment bodies, optical cable assemblies, and methods for fabricating optical cable assemblies for mating with compact multiports or terminals are disclosed. In one embodiment, an attachment body includes a body defining a passageway therein. The body includes a cable insertion portion, wherein the cable insertion portion is round and defines a cable insertion face having a first area, a cable securing portion adjacent to the cable insertion portion, and a port insertion portion adjacent to the cable securing portion. The port insertion portion includes a distal end that is non-round. The distal end defines a port insertion face having a second area that is smaller than the first area.