Optical Fiber Cable Interposed Layer Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical fiber cables require time-consuming operations to access internal fibers due to the need to cut and spread the holding binder, complicating mid-span access procedures.

Innovation Solution

An optical fiber cable design featuring a core with bundled optical fibers, a sheath, and an interposed layer of sheet materials arranged circumferentially to cover the core, which includes fibers solidified by a matrix, allowing for easy access and protection of internal fibers without the need to remove a buffer layer or holding binder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a holding binder is wound around the tape-shaped member to fix it in a cylindrical shape, then the optical fiber is protected from external forces, but the operation time for mid-span access increases due to the need to cut and spread the holding binder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from external forcesVSAvoidoperation time for mid-span access

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The holding binder is segmented into multiple independent tapes arranged in a circumferential direction rather than a single continuous wound structure. This segmentation allows individual tapes to be easily separated and removed during mid-span access operations, significantly reducing the time and complexity of accessing internal optical fibers while maintaining protective functionality through the distributed tape arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the interposed layer have different structural characteristics - the tape-shaped members provide localized protection at specific circumferential positions, while the spaces between tapes allow for easy access. This local quality differentiation enables the structure to simultaneously provide comprehensive protection and facilitate rapid access operations at specific locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a buffer layer is wound around the core to protect internal optical fibers, then reliability of fiber protection is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple layers and components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of internal optical fibersVSAvoidconfiguration structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of the buffer layer and holding binder into a single integrated interposed layer composed of tape-shaped members. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate buffer and binding components, reducing structural complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection functionality through the combined protective and securing actions of the tape arrangement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tape-shaped members in the interposed layer serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical protection against external forces, maintain the cylindrical structure of the core, and enable easy access during mid-span operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while enhancing reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11237346B2Optical fiber cable

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 FUJIKURA LTD

AI summary

An optical fiber cable includes a core that includes optical fibers, a sheath that accommodates the core, and an interposed layer disposed between the core and the sheath. The interposed layer includes sheet materials arranged in a circumferential direction of the optical fiber to cover the core. Each of the sheet materials includes fibers solidified by a matrix.