Optical Fiber Cable Structure for High-Density Pneumatic Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber cables face challenges in achieving high density mounting and uniform rigidity during pneumatic feeding and pulling, leading to potential buckling and increased transmission loss.
Innovation Solution
The optical fiber cable design includes a central tensile strength member and multiple sets of tensile strength members spaced apart in the sheath, using aramid fiber reinforced plastic, with a sheath containing a flame retardant and release agent, and optical fiber ribbons with adhesive and non-adhesive parts, facilitating easy wiring and reducing friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a loose tube type cable is used with a resin tube covering optical fibers, then the cable structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the outer diameter increases and optical fibers cannot be mounted at high density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the resin tube that covers the optical fiber unit, extracting the problematic element that prevented high-density mounting. By eliminating this protective tube, optical fibers can be directly mounted in the cable sheath at high density while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Strength
If multiple tensile strength members are embedded in the sheath to improve cable strength, then the cable rigidity increases, but anisotropy in bending direction occurs and buckling happens during pneumatic feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions tensile strength members asymmetrically within the cable structure, specifically embedding them in the sheath at locations that do not create uniform rigidity in all directions. This asymmetric arrangement allows the cable to maintain overall strength while having reduced rigidity in specific bending directions, preventing buckling during pneumatic feeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying the rigidity characteristics at different locations and directions within the cable. The sheath structure is designed with localized reinforcement only where needed for strength, while other areas maintain flexibility to accommodate bending during pneumatic feeding without creating anisotropic rigidity.
3Strength
If the cable sheath thickness is increased to improve cable strength and protection, then the cable becomes more durable, but the outer diameter increases and pneumatic feeding distance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials in the cable sheath construction, combining materials with different properties to achieve high strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the sheath to provide adequate protection and durability while maintaining a thin profile that minimizes outer diameter and maximizes pneumatic feeding distance.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber cable includes a central tensile strength member, a plurality of optical fibers disposed around the central tensile strength member, a set of tensile strength members arranged outside the plurality of optical fibers, and a sheath disposed outside the plurality of optical fibers, in which at least four sets of the tensile strength member are spaced apart from one another and embedded in the sheath.