Optical Cable Segmented Sub-Sheath Fiber Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical cable extraction methods weaken the mechanical strength of the protective casing and potentially disrupt optical transmission, as they require multiple openings and cutting of fibers for connection to a network or subscriber.

Innovation Solution

A primary optical cable design featuring a central mechanical support with two sub-casings, where the second sub-casing contains connecting optical fibers and can be partially opened longitudinally without compromising the primary cable's mechanical strength or transmission, allowing for extraction without opening the first sub-casing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple openings are made in the protective casing for fiber extraction, then fiber connection to network is facilitated, but mechanical strength of the protective casing is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber extraction operationVSAvoidmechanical strength of protective casing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The protective casing is divided into two separate sub-casings: a first sub-casing containing the primary optical cable and a second sub-casing containing the connecting optical fiber. This segmentation allows the second sub-casing to be opened for fiber extraction without compromising the integrity of the first sub-casing, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If multiple openings are made in the protective casing, then fiber extraction is facilitated, but optical transmission of active fibers may be disturbed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber extraction operationVSAvoidoptical transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the primary optical cable and connecting optical fiber into different sub-casings, the invention enables extraction operations on the connecting fiber without disturbing the primary cable's optical transmission path, thus maintaining reliability while facilitating operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting optical fiber is extracted into a separate second sub-casing, allowing it to be accessed and manipulated independently from the primary optical cable. This extraction enables fiber extraction operations without affecting the primary cable's optical transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Device complexity

If connecting optical fiber is contained within the same protective casing as primary cable, then cable structure is simplified, but extraction operation becomes complex requiring multiple openings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable structureVSAvoidextraction operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the protective casing into two sub-casings with different functions: one for the primary optical cable and another for the connecting optical fiber. This segmentation simplifies extraction operations by providing direct access to the connecting fiber through opening only the second sub-casing, while maintaining a relatively simple overall cable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2642324B1Optical cable for connection to a utility grid
Publication Date: 2016.07.20 NEXANS SA
  • EP2642324B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2642324B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to the use of a cable comprising a primary optical cable (1) including at least one optical fiber module (1A), at least one optical fiber called a patch fiber (2), and a protective sheath (3) surrounding said primary cable (1) and said optical fiber (2), said protective sheath (3) being made up of two sub-sheaths, the first sub-sheath (3A) containing said primary optical cable (1) and the second sub-sheath (3B) containing said optical patch fiber (2), these two sub-sheaths being mechanically connected. According to the invention, said primary optical cable is intended to be connected to a general network and said optical patch fiber (2) is intended for connecting subscribers to said primary cable