Optical Fiber Splice Reinforcement with Overlapping Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reinforcing optical fiber splice parts are insufficient in providing sufficient strength against tensile forces, leading to potential failures in fusion splice parts, especially in FTTH applications where optical drop cables require frequent reinstallation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a reinforcing member with overlapping ends that is covered by an inner and outer tube, where the inner tube is projected outward, ensuring both tubes overlap with the optical cable sheaths for a minimum length of 7 mm, and a groove is formed to match the cable contour, enhancing adhesion and reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a reinforcing rod and heat melting tube are contained in a heat contractive tube, then the splice part is reinforced, but the strength against tensile force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing structure is divided into multiple functional components: an inner tube for direct reinforcement, an outer tube for additional protection, and a heat-shrinkable tube for sealing and integration. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, collectively providing sufficient tensile strength and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structure combining different types of tubes (inner tube, outer tube, heat-shrinkable tube) with distinct material properties. The inner tube provides structural reinforcement, the outer tube adds protective coverage, and the heat-shrinkable tube provides sealing and integration, creating a composite system with enhanced overall performance.
2Strength
If the inner tube is outwardly projected in the length direction, then adhesion to sheaths is improved, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube is pre-configured with outward projections before assembly. These projections are designed in advance to engage with grooves in the sheath, ensuring proper positioning and maximum adhesion area. This preliminary configuration simplifies the assembly process while achieving optimal adhesion strength.
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 effectively integrates the reinforcing member with the optical fiber core and sheath, providing enhanced strength against tensile forces and preventing unnecessary reinstallation of optical drop cables by ensuring a secure and robust splice part.
Implementation Method 1
covering a periphery of the splice part provided with the reinforcing member by an inner tube so that both ends of the inner tube overlap with each of the sheaths of the optical cables, and contracting the inner tube
Data Source
AI summary
A method and structure for reinforcing a fusion splice part where optical fiber cores extending from sheaths of a pair of optical cables are spliced to each other, wherein a reinforcing member is provided along the fusion splice part so that both ends of the reinforcing member overlap with each of the sheaths of the optical cables; an adhesive tube covers the periphery of the fusion splice part provided with the reinforcing member so that both ends of the adhesive tube overlap with each of the sheaths of the optical cables, and is contracted; and a protective tube covers the periphery of the adhesive tube so that both ends of the protective tube overlap with each of the sheaths of the optical cables, the adhesive tube is outwardly projected in the length direction, and is contracted.