Pre-connectorized Fiber Cable Plug-and-Play Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic cable installation methods require extensive splicing and complex network configurations, leading to increased costs, time, and complexity, especially for lower fiber count branch distribution cables.
Innovation Solution
A pre-connectorized optical fiber distribution cable system with pre-formed head-end and rear-end access points, featuring optical connectors and tethers that allow for direct connection to trunk and downstream cables without onsite splicing, enabling 'plug-and-play' deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional splicing methods are used to connect branch distribution cables to primary network access cables, then network connectivity is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-connectorizing the branch distribution cable with optical connectors at both ends before installation. The head-end access point includes a first optical connector coupled to the first access point optical fiber, and the rear-end access point includes a second optical connector coupled to the second access point optical fiber. This allows the cable to be directly connected to trunk and downstream cables without requiring onsite splicing operations, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining reliable network connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple splice points are used to connect branch fibers to primary network access cables, then network coverage is extended, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical fiber distribution system into distinct functional segments: the pre-connectorized branch distribution cable with head-end and rear-end access points, the trunk cable with first network access points, and downstream cables with second network access points. Each segment has standardized optical connectors that enable simple, direct connections, reducing the complexity of managing multiple splice points while extending network coverage to multiple buildings along side streets.
3Ease of operation
If lower fiber count cables are run back to head-end location instead of splicing, then branch distribution is achieved, but cable management complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing pre-connectorized access points as intermediaries between the branch distribution cable and the trunk cable. The head-end access point with its optical connector serves as an intermediary that directly connects to the trunk cable's first network access point, eliminating the need to run lower fiber count cables back to the head-end location. This reduces cable management complexity while maintaining branch distribution capability to multiple buildings.
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 solution reduces the need for splicing, decreases installation time and costs, and simplifies network deployment by allowing direct connections between branch and trunk cables, increasing deployment speed and reducing material and labor expenses.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fiber distribution cable includes a plurality of cable optical fibers extending between a first end and a second end of the cable... The first end of the first access point optical fiber is optically coupled to a first cable optical fiber of the plurality of cable optical fibers... the second end of the first access point optical fiber is located outside of the cable jacket
Data Source
AI summary
An optic fiber branch distribution cable and system is provided. The branch distribution cable is pre-connectorized. The pre-connectorized branch distribution cable is configured for use in outdoor optical network installations. The branch distribution cable includes a pre-formed, head-end connectorized access point and a pre-formed, rear-end connectorized access point. Each access point includes one or more optical fiber tethers optically coupled at one end to an optical fiber of branch distribution cable and each includes an optical connector at the other end of the tether.