Partitioned Optical Fiber Cable Case for Branch Cord Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Optical fiber cords branched from trunk lines in data centers are prone to damage due to interference and lack of protection.

Innovation Solution

An optical fiber cable design featuring a case with separate tube portions and a partition wall to segregate trunk and branch optical fiber cords, along with resin members and projections to prevent interference and protect the branch start position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical fiber cords are branched from trunk lines without partitioning, then device complexity is reduced, but branch optical fiber cords are prone to damage due to interference and lack of protection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of branch optical fiber cordsVSAvoidcase structure with partition wall

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into a first tube portion for trunk optical fiber cords and a second tube portion for branch optical fiber cords, separated by a partition wall. This segmentation isolates the branch cords from interference with trunk cords, preventing damage while maintaining organizational structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall acts as an intermediary structure between the first tube portion and second tube portion, physically separating the optical fiber cords to eliminate interference while allowing both to coexist within the same protective case.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If trunk and branch optical fiber cords are placed together without separation, then ease of operation is improved, but interference occurs causing damage to branch cords

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference between optical fiber cordsVSAvoidaccess to optical fiber cords

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the case provide different functions: the first tube portion accommodates trunk cords while the second tube portion protects branch cords. The partition wall creates localized separation zones that prevent harmful interference while maintaining overall system accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If branch optical fiber cords are protected with a case, then durability is improved, but rattling occurs without proper positioning structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of branch optical fiber cordsVSAvoidrattling in the case

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The case structure with partition walls creates a rigid framework that prevents rattling of optical fiber cords. The partitioned design provides structural support that immobilizes the cords, eliminating harmful vibrations while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12399336B2Optical fiber cable with partitioned case for optical fiber cable

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD

AI summary

An optical fiber cable includes a plurality of first optical fiber cords including a trunk optical fiber cord and a branch optical fiber cord, a second optical fiber cord connected to the branch optical fiber cord, and a case covering a part of the plurality of first optical fiber cords and a part of the second optical fiber cord, where the case includes a first tube portion through which a trunk optical fiber cord is passed, a second tube portion adjacent to the first tube portion and through which a branch optical fiber cord is passed, and a partition wall partitioning the first tube portion and the second tube portion.