Optical Fiber Cable Core Exposure Through Tension-Member Fracture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for exposing the core of optical fiber cables, particularly those with embedded tension-resisting members, are difficult and inefficient, especially when a cut is made along the circumferential direction of the jacket.
Innovation Solution
A method involving making a cut along the circumferential direction of the jacket closer to one end, bending the cable to fracture the tension-resisting member, and removing the jacket portion between the cut and the end, optionally using additional cuts and a rip cord to facilitate exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cut is made along the circumferential direction in the jacket to expose the core, then the core can be accessed, but the presence of an embedded tension-resisting member makes the jacket removal difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The jacket is divided into a removal portion and a residual portion through a longitudinal cut. The removal portion is separated and removed from the residual portion, allowing access to the core while leaving the tension-resisting member embedded in the residual jacket portion intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal portion of the jacket is extracted and removed from the cable structure. This extraction allows access to the core and wrapping tube without removing the tension-resisting member, thereby simplifying the exposure process while maintaining cable structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the jacket is completely removed to expose the core, then full access is achieved, but the tension-resisting member cannot be retained and cable structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The jacket is segmented into a removal portion and a residual portion. The removal portion is separated to provide access to the core, while the residual portion remains attached to the cable end, maintaining structural support and integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the removal portion of the jacket is extracted and removed, while the residual portion remains in place to maintain cable structural integrity. The tension-resisting member is retained in the residual jacket portion, preserving the cable's mechanical strength.
3Productivity
If traditional cutting methods are used on the jacket, then the jacket can be opened, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The jacket is divided into separable portions through a longitudinal cut, allowing the removal portion to be quickly separated from the residual portion. This segmentation enables rapid access to the core without requiring complete jacket removal or complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal portion of the jacket is quickly extracted and removed, providing immediate access to the core. This extraction method is more efficient than traditional complete removal methods, reducing the time and labor required for core exposure.
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
This method simplifies the process of exposing the core by fracturing the tension-resisting member, allowing easy removal of the jacket portion and minimizing damage to the wrapping tube and optical fibers.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber cable and a method of exposing a core of the optical fiber cable
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber cable includes: a core including an optical fiber; a wrapping tube wrapping the core; a jacket housing the core and the wrapping tube; a tension-resisting member of a Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) embedded in the jacket; and a wire member that is flexible, includes fibers, and is embedded in the jacket. In a transverse cross-sectional view, the wire member is disposed inside a virtual circle that has a center at a center axis of the core and that passes through a center of the tension-resisting member. A circumferential dimension of the wire member is greater than a radial dimension of the wire member.