Pulling Grip Assembly for Pre-Terminated Fiber Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of high fiber-count optical fiber cables in data centers is labor-intensive and requires significant time, with varying quality due to field splicing, and pre-termination poses challenges in fitting and protecting optical fibers during routing through limited ducts and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic cable assembly with a pulling grip assembly that includes a cable jacket, furcation body, bag, tube, clamp, and pulling band, designed to protect and withstand significant loads, allowing pre-terminated optical fibers to be efficiently routed through small ducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pre-terminated optical fibers are used to reduce installation time, then installation speed is improved, but the complexity of fitting and protecting fibers during routing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pulling grip assembly as an intermediary device that encompasses the pre-terminated optical fibers during routing. This assembly includes a protective sheath and gripping mechanism that allows the fibers to be maneuvered through ducts without exposure to environmental conditions, resolving the routing complexity issue while maintaining the productivity benefits of pre-termination
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fibers are pre-terminated at the manufacturer's facility before delivery to the data center. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field splicing operations, significantly reducing installation time and labor requirements while maintaining connection quality through controlled manufacturing environments
2Quantity of substance
If high fiber-count cables are installed through limited ducts, then cable density is improved, but the force required to route the cable increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cable assembly into distinct functional components: a flexible pulling grip assembly that can be maneuvered through ducts, and the rigid pre-terminated optical fiber section. This segmentation allows the flexible gripping mechanism to navigate tight spaces while the terminated fibers remain protected and organized, reducing the force required for routing
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling grip assembly serves as a mediator between the installer and the high fiber-count cable. It provides a controlled interface for applying routing forces, allowing the cable to be pulled through limited duct spaces without damaging the pre-terminated fibers or exceeding duct capacity limitations
3Ease of operation
If pre-terminated fiber ends are exposed during routing, then routing accessibility is improved, but protection from environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the pre-terminated optical fibers are contained within a protective pulling grip assembly. The fibers are nested within a flexible sheath that can be manipulated during routing, providing continuous protection from environmental conditions while maintaining accessibility for the routing process
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling grip assembly acts as a protective intermediary that shields the pre-terminated fiber ends from environmental exposure during routing. It provides a controlled micro-environment that prevents moisture and contamination contact while allowing the fibers to be maneuvered through ducts and routing obstacles
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber optic cable assembly comprises: a cable jacket; distinct groups of optical fibers carried within the cable jacket and extending beyond a first end of the cable jacket; a furcation body positioned on the first end of the cable jacket such that the distinct groups of optical fibers have respective fiber end sections extending beyond the furcation body; and a pulling grip assembly protecting the fiber end sections. The pulling grip assembly includes a pulling band releasably secured to the cable jacket by a clamp, and is configured to withstand significant tensile loads despite being easily removable.