Crimp for Optical Cable Connector Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical cable connectors designed for indoor use are inadequate for outdoor 'outside plant' (OSP) applications due to insufficient resistance to high pull forces caused by environmental factors, and existing strain-relieving solutions are time-consuming and inconvenient for field assembly in harsh weather.
Innovation Solution
A crimp with a hollow body featuring two crushable tubes and a recess allows for secure engagement with a closure housing, effectively transferring tensile loads and providing a quick, economical solution for strengthening optical fiber cable connectors in OSP environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If indoor connector designs are used in OSP applications, then connector assembly is simple and straightforward, but the connector cannot withstand high pull forces from environmental influences
Solution Approach 1:
The crimp is divided into two separate crushable tubes: a first crushable crimp tube for crimping onto the connector and a second crushable crimp tube for crimping onto the cable. This segmentation allows each tube to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide strain relief and withstand tensile forces in OSP applications.
2Strength
If strain-relieving bridging components are added to OSP connectors, then resistance to tensile load improves, but assembly time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief function is merged into the crimp structure itself by incorporating a recess in the crimp body that receives a strain relief member. This integration eliminates the need for separate strain-relieving bridging components and reduces assembly steps while maintaining the ability to withstand high pull forces.
Solution Approach 2:
A strain relief member acts as an intermediary element that is received in the recess of the crimp body. This member provides a load transfer path for tensile loads, relieving strain on the connector without requiring complex assembly procedures.
3Strength
If strain-relieving components are used in cold weather field assembly, then connector strength in OSP applications improves, but the additional components become inconvenient to handle and install
Solution Approach 1:
The crimp structure includes an integrated recess that is designed to receive and secure the strain relief member through crimping. This self-contained design allows the strain relief functionality to be built into the connector assembly process itself, eliminating the need for separate handling and installation of additional components in cold weather field conditions.
4Strength
If a recess is added to the crimp body for engagement with closure housing, then strain relief and tensile load resistance improve, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recess is formed as a simple geometric feature in the crimp body that can be created during the existing crimp manufacturing process. By designing the recess with appropriate dimensions and shape, the crimp body can engage with the closure housing to provide strain relief while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing methods.
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 crimp design significantly increases the resistance to tensile forces, allowing optical fiber cables to withstand up to 100-150 N without disconnecting from sockets, while being easy to install and manufacture, and accommodating larger OSP cable diameters within standard housing apertures.
Implementation Method 1
crushing the crimp onto the exposed part of the spigot and the cable jacket
Implementation Method 2
the strain force transfers via the crimp body to the wall
Data Source
AI summary
A crimp (30) comprises a hollow crimp body (31) that is open at each end (32, 33) and includes, at a first end (32), a first crushable crimp tube (34) for crimping onto a connector; and at a second end (33) a second crushable crimp tube (36) for crimping onto a cable, the portion (39) of the crimp between the said ends including a recess (37) for engagement by a closure housing (38).