Segmented Fiber Optic Cable Connectors for Narrow Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic cable connecting devices are large and inflexible, making them difficult to pass through narrow conduits and increasing manufacturing costs due to the integration of electrical and optical components in a single housing.
Innovation Solution
The connecting device is split into two separate housings, with electrical components and connectors in one part and optical transceivers and fibers in another, allowing for a smaller, more flexible design that can be easily assembled and disassembled for easier passage through narrow spaces, and reducing the size of the optical housing to minimize electrical signal processing circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical and optical components are integrated in a single housing, then signal conversion functionality is achieved, but the device size increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into two separate housings: a first housing containing electrical components (electrical connectors and electrical components for signal processing) and a second housing containing optical components (optical connectors and optical transceivers). This segmentation allows each housing to be optimized independently, reducing overall device size and improving flexibility while maintaining the complete signal conversion functionality between electrical and optical domains.
2Ease of manufacture
If electrical and optical components are integrated in a single housing, then signal conversion functionality is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating electrical and optical components into different housings, the manufacturing process can be simplified. Each housing can be manufactured and tested independently, allowing for specialized production techniques for each component type. The modular design enables easier assembly and reduces the complexity of integrating sensitive optical components with electrical circuitry in a single housing, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
3Ease of operation
If the connecting device is large, then all components can be housed together, but passage through narrow conduits becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is segmented into two separate housings that can be passed through narrow conduits independently. The first housing contains electrical components and the second housing contains optical components. This segmentation allows the device to navigate through tight spaces and narrow conduits that would be inaccessible to a single large housing, while still providing complete electrical-to-optical signal conversion functionality when assembled.
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
This design reduces the overall size of the connecting device, facilitates easier passage through narrow conduits, and lowers manufacturing costs by separating electrical and optical components, while maintaining signal conversion functionality.
Implementation Method 1
optical transceivers disposed within the second housing, the optical transceivers being electrically connected to the third electrical connector and optically coupled to the optical fibers
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting device for a fiber optic cable includes a first part having a first housing and first and second electrical connectors located on the first housing, and a second part having a second housing and a third electrical connector located on the second housing. The second and third electrical connectors are adapted to be mechanically and electrically connect with each other or disconnected from each other. The first part further includes electrical components disposed within the first housing and electrically connected to the first and second electrical connectors. The second part receives end portions of optical fibers of the fiber optic cable, and further includes optical transceivers disposed within the second housing which are electrically connected to the third electrical connector and optically coupled to the optical fibers. Also disclosed is a cable device employing an optical fiber cable and two connecting devices at its two ends, where at least one of the connecting devices has a structure described above.