Rugged Micromodule Cable Fiber Movement Mitigation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional micromodule fiber optic cables are not suitable for rugged environments as they lack durability and ease of access, with optical fibers prone to movement and disconnection in challenging conditions.

Innovation Solution

A rugged micromodule cable design featuring central strength yarns with stranded micromodules, additional strength yarns, and a polymeric jacket that bonds with the yarns to prevent lengthwise movement of optical fibers, combining flexibility with durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If micromodules are placed loosely within the cable jacket to facilitate flexibility and ease of access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates as fibers move and may pull out of connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of access to optical fibersVSAvoidfiber connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is segmented into multiple micromodules, each containing a subset of optical fibers. This segmentation allows technicians to access only the specific micromodule containing the required fibers, maintaining ease of operation while the modular structure prevents random fiber movement within the cable assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Micromodules are nested within the cable jacket in a structured arrangement where they are contained but not loose. The micromodules are positioned within the jacket in a controlled manner that prevents them from moving freely, thereby maintaining both accessibility and connection stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional micromodule cables are used in rugged environments, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to fiber movement and susceptibility to pulling out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuitability for various environmentsVSAvoidfiber connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the individual fibers rigid to prevent movement, the invention inverts the approach by making the containing structure (micromodule arrangement within jacket) the rigid element. The micromodules are positioned and secured within the jacket in a fixed arrangement, preventing fiber movement while maintaining the flexibility needed for rugged environment adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If sheathing is made thin-walled to facilitate easy opening with fingers, then ease of operation is improved, but strength deteriorates making fibers more vulnerable in rugged environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of sheath openingVSAvoidsheath durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sheathing material properties are optimized for local requirements: thin-walled construction in areas requiring frequent access (such as connector regions) to enable easy opening, while maintaining adequate thickness and strength in regions requiring environmental protection. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between ease of opening and durability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively mitigates optical fiber movement and enhances handling in harsh environments while maintaining ease of access, making the cable suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Implementation Method 1

at least some of the additional strength yarns bond to an interior surface of the jacket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS9081162B2Rugged micromodule cable

Publication Date: 2015.07.14 CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC

AI summary

A rugged micromodule cable includes central strength yarns, micromodules stranded around the central strength yarns, additional strength yarns positioned around the stranded micromodules, and a jacket of polymeric material surrounding the additional strength yarns. The micromodules each include sheathing surrounding a plurality of optical fibers. The strand profile of the micromodules is tight, having an average lay length of less than 250 mm, and the sheathing is thin-walled, having an average thickness of less than about 200 micrometers. The strand of the micromodules, the positioning of the additional strength yarns, and bonding between the additional strength yarns and the jacket mitigate lengthwise movement of the optical fibers in the rugged micromodule cable.