Pre-spliced Optical Fiber Cables for Rapid Network Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for establishing optical fiber communication networks in stationary structures are time-consuming and costly, requiring skilled technicians and on-site splicing of optical fibers, which is inefficient and labor-intensive, especially during rapid network deployment.
Innovation Solution
The use of pre-spliced optical-fiber main and sub-cables with connectors, allowing for quick and cost-effective connection of external communication networks to multiple user networks by blowing the cables through ducts from sub-cabinets to user structures, eliminating the need for on-site splicing and reducing labor requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If on-site splicing of optical fibers is performed, then reliable connections are achieved, but deployment time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-splicing optical fibers to connectors in a controlled factory environment before cable installation. This allows splicing to be performed in advance under optimal conditions, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site splicing operations while ensuring consistent connection quality and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical field splicing process with a factory-based automated splicing system. By substituting manual or semi-automated on-site splicing with automated factory splicing, the system achieves higher precision and reliability while dramatically reducing deployment time and skilled labor requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If skilled technicians perform on-site splicing, then connection quality is maintained, but labor costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by designing connectors with self-aligning features and push-to-connect mechanisms. This allows installation personnel without specialized splicing skills to achieve precise and reliable connections by simply inserting pre-spliced cables into connector housings, eliminating the need for skilled technicians and complex splicing equipment on-site.
Solution Approach 2:
By performing splicing operations in advance at the factory, the patent transfers the precision requirement from the complex on-site installation environment to the controlled manufacturing environment, where precision can be achieved more easily and consistently.
3Productivity
If pre-spliced cables are used, then deployment speed increases, but cable handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing pre-spliced optical fibers inside protective cable conduits or housings. The connectors are integrated within the cable structure, allowing the entire assembly to be installed as a single unit through ducts and conduits, simplifying handling despite the complex internal pre-spliced structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible protective coatings and sheaths on pre-spliced cables to maintain their integrity during installation. These protective layers allow the cables to be bent and routed through tight spaces while protecting the delicate pre-spliced fibers from damage, enabling fast deployment without compromising cable handling ease.
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 approach significantly reduces deployment time and costs by allowing pre-spliced cables to be easily installed, reducing the need for skilled technicians and minimizing on-site splicing, thereby facilitating quicker and more efficient establishment of optical fiber connections.
Implementation Method 1
the blunt end of the sub-cable 3 is blown through a cable duct 4
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and components for connecting an external communication network 12 to multiple user networks of stationary structures 7, comprising a main cabinet 8, at least one sub-cabinet 1 placed at a location physically in the vicinity of a part of the stationary structures 7, connecting each of the sub-cabinets 1 to the main cabinet 8 by a pre-spliced optical-fiber main cable 5, connecting the sub-cabinet 1 to each of the at least one user networks of the stationary structure 7 by a pre-spliced optical-fiber sub-cable 3, such as to provide the connection between the external communication network and the multiple user networks of stationary structures 7.