Pre-terminated Fiber Optic Termini Assembly for Rapid Field Splicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic termination methods are time-consuming and not suitable for field applications, as they require specific conditions and cannot be easily interchanged with existing connectors.
Innovation Solution
A pre-terminated fiber optic termini assembly with a splice junction between two optical fibers, protected by sleeves and a crimp device, allowing for quick connection and meeting military specifications without the need for field polishing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fiber optic termination methods are used, then the termination meets performance specifications, but the process is time-consuming and cannot be performed in field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic cable is pre-terminated at the factory with polished connectors already attached to the termini, eliminating the need for field polishing and cutting operations. This preliminary preparation allows the termination to be completed quickly by simply splicing the pre-terminated cable to the connector housing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional termination processes are used, then the fiber can be terminated, but the process requires specific working conditions and cannot be easily interchanged with existing connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The termini assembly is designed to accept standard fiber optic connectors and can be interchanged with existing connector types. The splice housing and termini body are configured to work with conventional connector specifications, allowing the pre-terminated cable to be universally compatible with various connector types while simplifying the termination process.
3Ease of operation
If field polishing and cutting operations are required, then the termination can be completed, but the process cannot be performed at locations not conducive to these operations
Solution Approach 1:
All time-consuming field operations such as polishing and cutting are performed in advance at the factory during pre-termination. The pre-polished connectors and pre-cut fiber lengths are prepared beforehand, allowing field installation to be completed in minutes without requiring polishing equipment or controlled environmental conditions.
4Strength
If epoxy affixing methods are used to secure fiber to termini body, then the fiber is securely attached, but the process is time-consuming and requires ideal working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber is affixed to the termini body using epoxy in advance during factory pre-termination, allowing secure attachment to be achieved without time-consuming field operations. The epoxy bonding process is performed under controlled factory conditions, ensuring strong attachment while enabling quick field installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick terminating fiber optic assembly and method of making same is provided. A pre-terminated fiber optic assembly having an optical fiber already terminated therein includes an exposed optical fiber. The exposed fiber is aligned and contacted with a second exposed optical fiber of another optical cable, and the two fibers are spliced. A sleeve is provided to cover and protect the splice and any exposed fibers. The sleeve secures the pre-terminated fiber optic termini to second optical fiber. This process terminates the second optical fiber at the termini in less time and with the same or similar tools as a conventional method of terminating optical fibers at a termini.