Fiber Optic Pigtail Strain Relief Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic modules experience performance issues and potential damage due to pulling forces transferred to optical fibers during installation, which can lead to optical attenuation and connection loss.
Innovation Solution
A strain-relief assembly is integrated into the fiber optic module, utilizing a protective tube and heat shrink materials to secure optical fibers and strength members, preventing the transfer of pulling forces and maintaining optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fiber pigtail extends from the module for fusion-splicing with optical fibers, then connection points are eliminated and optical insertion loss is reduced, but pulling forces during installation are transferred to the module causing performance issues
Solution Approach 1:
A strain relief assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the fiber pigtail and the module body. This assembly includes a strain relief boot that receives the fiber pigtail and a retention body with clamping members that secure the fiber pigtail, preventing pulling forces from being transferred to the optical fibers inside the module while maintaining the fusion-splicing connection advantage
2Object-affected harmful factors
If strain relief constructions are added to inhibit pulling forces, then optical fiber protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a strain relief boot that receives and protects the fiber pigtail exterior, and a retention body with clamping members that secure the fiber pigtail internally. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design modular and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The strain relief boot is positioned to receive and enclose the fiber pigtail, creating a nested structure where the retention body with clamping members is integrated within the boot assembly. This nesting approach consolidates multiple protective functions into a compact integrated unit that minimizes space requirements and reduces overall structural complexity
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 strain-relief assembly effectively inhibits the transfer of pulling forces, reducing optical attenuation and protecting the fiber pigtail, thereby maintaining reliable optical connections and reducing installation-related damage.
Implementation Method 1
The strain-relief assembly has a first heat shrink for securing a plurality of strength members with the plurality of optical fibers and a second heat shrink for securing the plurality of strength members and the protective tube to a retention body of the strain-relief assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber optic modules having pigtails and related strain relief constructions for the fiber optic harness are disclosed. The fiber optic module assembly has a fiber pigtail exiting module, the assembly includes a main body of the module defining an internal chamber disposed between a first side and a second side, a plurality of fiber optic components disposed at the first side of the module, and a fiber optic harness including the fiber pigtail. The fiber optic harness includes a plurality of optical fibers within a portion of a protective tube on the pigtail portion and a strain-relief assembly for inhibiting movement between the optical fibers and protective tube. Consequently, the strain-relief assembly secures the plurality of optical fibers and the protective tube to the main body of the module.