Optical Fiber Cable with Pre-formed Cutting Kerfs for Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical fiber sensing cables require manual slotting, which is costly and reduces performance, making it difficult to achieve accurate sensing while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber cable with a double-sheath design and cutting kerfs on the outer sheath layer, combined with a manufacturing method using a production line that includes a cutting device for precise slotting, allowing for easy slotting without damaging the sensing fibers and reducing processing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual slotting is performed on optical fiber sensing cables, then the sensing accuracy can be improved by allowing direct contact with detected objects, but the processing cost increases and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming grooves on the outer surface of the cable sheath during the cable manufacturing process. These grooves are created using a groove-forming device that integrates with the extrusion line, allowing slots to be prepared in advance rather than requiring manual cutting after cable production. This preliminary preparation enables subsequent easy access to optical fibers while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs.
2Measurement precision
If manual slotting is performed on optical fiber sensing cables, then sensing accuracy can be improved, but the manufacturing complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the slotting operation with the cable manufacturing process by integrating a groove-forming device into the extrusion line. The grooves are formed simultaneously with the sheath extrusion in a single continuous operation, eliminating the need for separate manual slotting steps. This consolidation maintains sensing accuracy requirements while significantly improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing production time.
3Ease of operation
If cutting kerfs are provided on the outer sheath layer, then slotting convenience is improved and processing costs are reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing multiple discrete cutting kerfs at predetermined intervals along the outer surface of the sheath layer. These kerfs are distributed at specific spacing to enable localized access to optical fibers at different positions along the cable length. The segmented structure allows convenient slotting operations at required locations while maintaining the overall integrity and simplicity of the cable design.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber cable with optical fiber sensing and communication functions includes an outer sheath layer, an inner sheath layer, communicating optical fibers, and sensing optical fibers. The communicating optical fibers are laid inside the inner sheath layer, the sensing optical fibers are laid between the inner sheath layer and the outer sheath layer, and an inner reinforcing member is filled in the inner sheath layer. An outer reinforcing member-is filled between the inner sheath layer and the outer sheath layer, and a plurality of cutting kerfs for slotting are provided on an outer side wall of the outer sheath layer along a length direction of the outer sheath layer. A manufacturing method includes processes of cable paying-off, molding, extruding to form sheath layers, making cutting kerfs, cooling and cable taking-up, etc., which has simple operation and low production costs.