Segmented Cable Pulling Assembly for Fiber Optic Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable pullers often fail to efficiently route fiber optic cables through small enclosed spaces due to their size, which can cause damage to the cables and lead to micro-bends that result in signal attenuation.
Innovation Solution
A cable pulling assembly with an enclosure that includes a first and second member, where the second member is structurally identical to the first member, allowing for snap-fit engagement and the application of tensile force directly to the strength layer of the fiber optic cable, reducing the risk of micro-bends by bonding the enclosure to the strength members of the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional cable pullers are used to route fiber optic cables through enclosed spaces, then the cable can be pulled through the spaces, but the size of the cable puller prevents it from being used in small enclosed spaces and can cause damage to the cables
Solution Approach 1:
The cable pulling assembly is divided into multiple separate members (first member, second member, third member) that can be assembled together to form a complete assembly. This segmentation allows the components to be small enough to fit through enclosed spaces while still providing sufficient pulling capacity when assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable pulling assembly members are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with smaller members fitting inside larger members. This nesting capability reduces the overall storage volume and allows the assembly to pass through small enclosed spaces while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
2Productivity
If traditional cable pullers are used to pull fiber optic cables, then the cable can be routed through spaces, but the pulling process can cause micro-bends in the cable that result in signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The cable end is prepared in advance by stripping the outer jacket to expose the strength members before the pulling assembly is attached. This preliminary preparation ensures that the strength members are ready to bear the pulling load immediately, preventing micro-bends and signal attenuation during the routing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The strength members of the cable serve as an intermediary element between the pulling assembly and the optical fiber core. By attaching the assembly to the strength members rather than directly to the cable jacket, the pulling force is transmitted through the strength members, preventing damage to the optical fiber and avoiding micro-bends that would cause signal attenuation.
3Reliability
If the enclosure is designed to transfer tensile force to the strength layer, then cable integrity is maintained, but the assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure members are designed to work together as an integrated system, where the first, second, and third members combine to form a complete cable pulling assembly. This merging of multiple simple components achieves the function of force transfer to the strength layer without requiring a single complex device.
Solution Approach 2:
Each enclosure member is designed with multiple functions: providing structural support, transferring tensile force to the strength layer, and enabling easy assembly and disassembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, maintaining simplicity while ensuring cable integrity during the pulling process.
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 enables the efficient routing of fiber optic cables through tight spaces by transferring tensile force to the strength layer, minimizing cable stretching and the risk of micro-bends, thus reducing signal attenuation and maintaining cable integrity.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive is added to the first cavity of the first member so that the adhesive bonds the first member to the strength members
Implementation Method 2
The first plurality of resilient tabs extends beyond the longitudinal surface of the first body... The second member is in snap-fit engagement with the first member
Data Source
AI summary
A cable pulling assembly includes an enclosure that is adapted for enclosing an end of a fiber optic cable. The enclosure includes a first member that defines a first cavity. The first cavity is adapted to receive a portion of the end of the fiber optic cable. The enclosure further includes a second member that is selectively engaged to the first member. The second member defines a second cavity. The second member is structurally identical to the first member. The enclosure is adapted to transfer a tensile force applied to the enclosure to the strength layer of the fiber optic cable.