Optical Cable Assembly Spool Test Port Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical cable testing process is cumbersome, requires high operational experience, is time-consuming, and environmentally unfriendly, particularly due to the complexity of connecting optical fibers and pigtails, and the need for stripping and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
An optical cable assembly with a pre-configured connection assembly on the spool that includes an optical cable connection port and a test port, allowing for easy connection of test equipment without direct handling of the optical cable, using an optical fiber quick connector and hollow flexible tube for quick and environmentally friendly testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the traditional testing method using V-groove connection is used, then the optical cable can be tested for attenuation and spool length, but the operation requires strong experience and has very low success rate for beginners
Solution Approach 1:
The optical cable assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the spool for winding the cable, the connection assembly with separate optical cable connection port and test port, and the test equipment interface. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the connection assembly handling connections and the spool handling cable storage, thereby improving testing reliability while simplifying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly acts as an intermediary device between the optical cable on the spool and the test equipment. It provides standardized connection ports that interface with common test equipment, eliminating the need for operators to perform complex V-groove connections and making the testing process reliable and easy to operate.
2Reliability
If pigtails are used for connection, then the optical cable can be tested, but the pigtails are bulky and inconvenient to carry on construction sites
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly merges the functions of the pigtail connector and the test interface into a single integrated unit mounted on the spool. This eliminates the need to carry separate pigtails to construction sites, as the connection assembly provides all necessary connection functionality in one compact, portable unit that travels with the optical cable spool.
3Ease of operation
If the optical cable is stripped to expose the optical fiber, then the fiber can be connected and tested, but the stripping process is very cumbersome and takes about an hour for two people
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is pre-configured with connection ports and internal routing that allows direct connection to the optical cable without requiring on-site stripping. The optical cable can be connected to the optical cable connection port in its intact state, and the connection assembly handles the fiber exposure and connection internally, eliminating the time-consuming stripping process performed by two people for about an hour.
4Reliability
If alcohol and tissue are used to clean grease on the optical fiber, then the fiber can be connected, but this process is not environmentally friendly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly extracts the fiber cleaning and connection process from the manual operations and performs it internally through integrated cleaning mechanisms and automated connection features. This eliminates the need for operators to use alcohol and tissue for manual cleaning, removing the environmental harm and time consumption associated with these materials while ensuring consistent connection quality.
Data Source
AI summary
The application discloses an optical cable assembly and an optical cable testing method. The optical cable assembly comprises: an optical cable wire with a test end; a spool for winding the optical cable; a connection assembly has an optical cable connection port and a test port, the connection assembly is configured to connect objects at both ends of the connection assembly, and the test end of the optical cable is connected to the connection assembly as an object at one end of the optical cable connection port, the test port is located at an operable area of the spool, configured to connect the test equipment to form an optical path between the test equipment and the optical cable wire when the optical cable is tested.