Optical Cable Illumination Path for Fiber Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Technicians face difficulties in identifying corresponding ends of optical fibers and electrical wires, leading to cumbersome processes in data storage and transmission systems due to the lack of efficient methods for determining connections between long, clustered cables.
Innovation Solution
A cable device with an illumination element integrated into its outer cover, which extends along the cable's length and has exposed portions that convey light through separated openings, providing visual indication of corresponding connections between cable ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If technicians use traditional testing methods to identify cable connections, then connection identification can be achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing illumination elements within the cable assembly before deployment. These elements are positioned to emit light from one end of the cable, enabling technicians to visually trace the connection path without needing to perform time-consuming testing procedures at the time of connection identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical testing procedures with an optical system. Instead of using physical connectors and testing equipment to identify connections, the invention uses illumination elements that emit visible light through the cable assembly, allowing technicians to visually identify corresponding ends by following the light path.
2Loss of information
If technicians follow along the length of fiber or wire to identify connections, then connection correspondence can be determined, but the process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes by using illumination elements that emit visible light, creating a visual signal that changes the appearance of the cable assembly. The light emitted from one end travels through the cable and exits at the corresponding end, providing a clear visual indicator that enables technicians to easily identify connection correspondence without physically tracing the cable length.
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
Facilitates quick and accurate identification of corresponding cable ends without disconnection, reducing the complexity of connector matching in data transmission systems.
Implementation Method 1
the illumination element may be configured to convey a given light such that the given light that enters the first exposed portion of the illumination element exits the second exposed portion of the illumination element
Data Source
AI summary
A cable device includes an elongated transmission member that defines a central axis, outer cover, and illumination element. The outer cover has an outer surface and a bore along its length. The illumination element extends in a direction parallel to the central axis and along a length of the transmission member. The illumination element has first and second exposed portions extending through separated openings of the outer surface of the outer cover. Each of first and second cross-sections of the respective first and second exposed portions define respective first and second illumination element central axes extending through the cross-sections in one or more directions transverse to the central axis of the transmission member. The illumination element is configured to convey a given light such that the given light that enters the first exposed portion of the illumination element exits the second exposed portion of the illumination element.