Segmented Armored Coupling for Optical Fiber Crush Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional armored fiber optic cables with light metal tubes are prone to damage from rodents, improper installation, and bending or crushing forces, which can compromise the protection of optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
A protective covering system comprising a plurality of coupleable links with specific cylindrical portions, flanges, and bases that allow for axial movement and rotation, providing enhanced protection by forming a two-layer barrier with increased crush loading capacity and reduced minimum bend radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional light metal tubes are used, then the cable structure is simple, but the protection against rodents, crushing forces, and improper installation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous metal tube is segmented into discrete links that can move relative to each other. Each link acts as an independent protective element, and the collection of links forms a flexible armor that protects against rodents, crushing forces, and improper installation while maintaining cable flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable armor transitions from a static rigid tube to a dynamic system of movable links. The links can move axially and rotate relative to each other, allowing the cable to bend and flex while maintaining protection. This dynamic structure reduces the minimum bend radius and improves resistance to installation damage.
2Force
If rigid armor is used, then crush loading capacity is high, but maximum pull tension and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid armor is divided into discrete links that can move relative to each other. This segmentation maintains the crush resistance of individual links while allowing the overall structure to flex and bend, improving cable flexibility and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The armor system transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated chain. The links can move axially and rotate, enabling the cable to bend around corners and adapt to installation routes while maintaining high crush loading capacity through the interlocking flange design.
3Ease of operation
If flexible cable structure is used, then minimum bend radius is reduced, but crush loading capacity and rodent protection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible cable structure is enhanced by adding segmented armor links that provide crush protection. The discrete nature of the links allows them to move with the flexible cable while maintaining structural integrity and crush resistance through their interlocking design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable combines flexible cable materials with metal armor links to create a composite structure. This composite design integrates the flexibility of the cable with the protective qualities of metal, achieving both low minimum bend radius and high crush loading capacity.
4Reliability
If interlocking or corrugated metal tube is used, then durability is improved, but the cable remains vulnerable to rodent damage and installation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous metal tube is segmented into discrete links with interlocking flanges. This segmentation creates a more robust protective structure that is resistant to rodent chewing and installation errors. The interlocking design ensures that damage to one link does not compromise the entire cable armor.
Solution Approach 2:
The static metal tube is replaced with a dynamic link system that can move and adjust during installation. This dynamic structure better absorbs installation errors and physical stress, improving durability while maintaining protection against rodents and environmental factors.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective covering system for optical cables includes a plurality of links which may be coupled together to form a two-layer barrier to protect optical fiber positioned with the coupled links. Each link includes a first portion and a wider second portion. The first portion of a first link is insertable in the second portion of a second link such that the first portion of the first link and the second portion of the second link overlap one another radially. The ends of each portion include oppositely extending flanges, at least one of which is temporarily deformable when the first link is inserted into the second link. When the first and second links are secured to one another, the coupled links are free to move axially and to tilt relative to each other.