OTDR with Integrated Retractable Launch Cable
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OTDRs require separate launch cables that are cumbersome and prone to damage, and when integrated as fusion-spliced modules, they become difficult to replace when damaged or worn out, limiting user convenience and measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An OTDR with an integrated but detachable launch cable and wireless remote control capabilities, allowing for easy replacement and operation via external devices like smartphones or PCs, reducing mechanical wear and enhancing portability and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate launch cable is used with the OTDR, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to carrying and connecting separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the OTDR instrument and launch cable into a single integrated unit. The launch cable is built into the OTDR housing with a connector that interfaces directly with the OTDR test port, eliminating the need to carry and connect separate launch cable assemblies. This merging maintains measurement accuracy while reducing device complexity and improving ease of operation.
2Measurement precision
If a separate launch cable is used with the OTDR, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to repeated connection and disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design merges the launch cable permanently into the OTDR unit, so users only need to connect and disconnect the single OTDR device rather than handling separate launch cables. This reduces the number of connection operations and improves ease of operation while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If the launch cable is fusion-spliced to the OTDR, then ease of operation is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates as the launch cable becomes difficult to replace when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the launch cable from the OTDR main body by using a connector interface instead of fusion splicing. This allows the launch cable to be a separate, replaceable component that can be easily swapped out if damaged, while still maintaining ease of operation through the integrated design. The connectorized interface enables quick replacement without requiring specialized fusion splicing equipment or skills.
4Ease of repair
If connectorized flying leads are used in the launch cable, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased connector wear and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the launch cable into the OTDR unit with a built-in connector interface. This integration reduces the number of external connectors and flying leads that are subject to wear and damage. The single integrated connector between the launch cable and OTDR test port minimizes connection cycles and potential failure points, improving reliability while maintaining ease of repair through the connectorized design.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) with an integrated Launch Cable that has a retractable lead, designed to work as a standalone instrument, or under the control of an external device such as a smartphone, tablet, PC, or server.The first characterized feature of this invention is the integration of the OTDR and Launch Cable in one housing where the spool of the aforementioned Launch Cable can rotate and is spring-loaded relative to the aforementioned housing, and is equipped with a flying lead that can be extracted from or retracted back into the aforementioned housing under spring tension, or where the spool of the aforementioned Launch Cable is affixed to the aforementioned housing and equipped with a flying lead that can be manually unwrapped from and wrapped back into the aforementioned housing; the OTDR and Launch Cable are attached, for example using standard fiber optic connectors, so that the Launch Cable can be easily replaced in the field by a user with no special tools.The second characterized feature of this invention is to integrate a wireless transmitting and receiving device into the OTDR module, which can receive setup and other commands from, and send instrument status and test results to an external device.The advantages of such a device are: the ability to conveniently hold, place, or hang the instrument as a single unit while in use; the ability to place the instrument into its carry case without disconnecting the launch cable, thus reducing the number of connection, cleaning, and inspection steps that must be performed each time the instrument is removed from its carry case for use and reducing wear on the OTDR test port and launch cable (OTDR end) connectors; the ability to remove and replace Launch Cable module in the field without special tools should it become damaged or if the user wants a different connector type; the ability to use an external device to analyse and format test results and provide additional networking functions; the ability to move processing functions to the external device, which in turn allows the use of lower power, lower cost processors in the OTDR to reduce cost and increase battery life. The present invention also includes a special embodiment in which the OTDR module is physically located within the Launch Cable module so that the overall device becomes more compact, and more resistant to drops and other external impacts.