Optical Fiber Rip Cord Structure for Water Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber cables face challenges in efficiently accessing the core for splicing and routing while maintaining effective water-blocking properties, particularly when using superabsorbent water blocking powder (SAP) which causes high signal attenuation at low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a low-strength rip cord within the optical fiber cable structure that provides both water-blocking and jacket-opening functionalities, using materials with specific break strength and water absorption capacity, reducing the need for superabsorbent water blocking powder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If superabsorbent water blocking powder (SAP) is used to provide water-blocking properties, then water-blocking capability is improved, but signal attenuation increases at low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the water-blocking function from the SAP powder and transfers it to the rip cord structure. The rip cord, positioned within the central bore, provides water-blocking capability through its structural presence and interaction with the jacket layers, eliminating the need for SAP powder that causes signal attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rip cord serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides water-blocking capability, enables easy jacket opening for access to optical fibers, and maintains cable structural integrity. This multi-functionality replaces the separate SAP powder water-blocking mechanism, avoiding its harmful effects while achieving the same protective function.
2Ease of operation
If a rip cord with low break strength is used to facilitate jacket opening, then ease of operation is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rip cord is positioned specifically within the central bore of the inner jacket, creating a localized weak point that facilitates jacket opening only where needed. The low break strength is confined to this specific location and orientation, while the overall cable structure maintains its strength through the outer jacket and other structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The rip cord acts as an intermediary element between the outer and inner jackets, providing a controlled failure point that allows the inner jacket to be accessed. Its low strength is intentional and localized, serving as a mediator that enables easy opening without compromising the overall cable integrity, as the optical fibers and other components remain protected within the inner jacket structure.
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
The rip cord effectively balances strength and water-blocking capabilities, reducing signal attenuation and enhancing the cable's ability to withstand water penetration, thereby improving the overall performance of optical fiber cables.
Implementation Method 1
The rip cord is formed from a material that has a water absorption capacity of at least 10 grams of water per gram of the material
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber carrying structure that includes a jacket and a rip cord is provided. Optical fiber cables are used to transmit data over distance. Generally, large distribution cables that carry a multitude of optical fibers from a hub are sub-divided at network nodes into subunits. To remove a jacket of a subunit, the subunit may be provided with an access feature such as a rip cord. Described herein is a rip cord for use with optical fiber carrying structures.