Optical Trunk Cable Web-Connected Sub-Unitized Configuration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic cable deployment methods compromise the integrity of the cable when accessing individual fibers, risking damage to other fibers due to the need to open the jacket and access buffer tubes for splicing.
Innovation Solution
An optical trunk cable design featuring interconnected optical fiber units via webs, allowing for individual sub-unit access without exposing the entire cable, with each sub-unit being self-contained and easily removable, and providing exceptional bending flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable jacket is opened to access individual fibers for splicing, then fiber access and termination is enabled, but the integrity of the cable is compromised and other fibers are at risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into multiple independent sub-units (first sub-unit, second sub-unit, third sub-unit), each containing its own buffer tubes and fibers. This segmentation allows access to individual sub-units without exposing or compromising the integrity of the entire cable structure, enabling fiber termination while maintaining protection of other fibers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire cable is accessed for fiber splicing, then all fibers become available for termination, but the risk of damaging other fibers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable structure segments fibers into independent sub-units that can be accessed and terminated individually. This allows selective access to only the sub-units needed for termination, maintaining adaptability while reducing the harmful factor of fiber damage risk by isolating other fibers within their protected sub-units.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sub-unit has its own protective jacket and buffer tubes, providing localized protection quality. This allows different sub-units to be accessed independently, enabling flexible termination of specific fibers while maintaining high protection quality for all other fibers that remain sealed within their sub-units.
3Ease of manufacture
If a traditional cable structure is used, then all fibers are exposed at access points, but this increases the complexity of protecting individual fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is constructed with multiple independent sub-units, each self-contained with its own buffer tubes and protective jacket. This segmentation simplifies the protection mechanism by distributing protection responsibilities to each sub-unit rather than requiring a complex centralized protection system for all fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sub-unit contains buffer tubes nested within the sub-unit's protective jacket, which is in turn nested within the overall cable structure. This nested arrangement simplifies the protection mechanism by creating hierarchical protection layers that are easy to manufacture and implement.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical trunk cable includes at least one elongated strength member. The optical trunk cable further includes a plurality of elongated optical fiber units, each of the optical fiber units having an inner jacket containing a plurality of optical fibers.