Single Layer Micro Optical Fiber Cable Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro optical fiber cables are not suitable for installation in smaller ducts due to their large diameter and high weight, leading to poor blowing performance, and have a dual layer construction that increases manufacturing time and risks inner layer damage.
Innovation Solution
A micro optical fiber cable design with a central strength member, stranded buffer tubes, and a single layer construction, optimized for installation in micro ducts with a reduced outer diameter and weight, featuring a tensile strength of 2000 Newton and crush resistance of 500 Newton, allowing efficient blowing and protection against damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a dual layer construction is used for micro optical fiber cables, then the cable provides structural integrity and protection, but the manufacturing time increases and the inner layer is at risk of crushing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the inner layer from the dual-layer construction, creating a single-layer cable design. This eliminates the manufacturing complexity and time associated with producing two separate layers while maintaining the essential protective function through a optimized single-layer structure with enhanced wall thickness and material properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the protective functions previously distributed across two layers into a single integrated layer. This consolidated structure combines the strength and protection functions that were previously separated, achieving the same structural integrity with reduced manufacturing complexity
2Area of moving object
If the outer diameter of micro optical fiber cables is reduced for installation in smaller ducts, then the cable becomes suitable for micro duct installation, but the cable weight and blowing performance are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cable by reducing the outer diameter to 6-8mm while simultaneously adjusting the wall thickness and material density to maintain appropriate weight. This parameter optimization allows the cable to fit in smaller ducts while preserving sufficient weight for effective blowing installation
3Quantity of substance
If high fiber packing density is achieved in micro optical fiber cables, then more fibers are accommodated in the cable, but the cable diameter increases reducing suitability for small ducts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested buffer tube arrangements where multiple buffer tubes are arranged concentrically around a central strength member. This nesting configuration maximizes fiber capacity within a compact diameter by efficiently utilizing the available cross-sectional area through hierarchical positioning of buffer tubes
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Disclosed is an optical fiber cable (100). The optical fiber cable (100) includes a central strength member (105). The central strength member (105) lies substantially along a longitudinal axis of the optical fiber cable (100). In addition, the optical fiber cable (100) includes one or more buffer tubes (110a-110l) stranded around the central strength member (105). Moreover, the optical fiber cable (105) includes a first layer (120). The first layer (120) surrounds the one or more buffer tubes (110a-110l). Further, the optical fiber cable (100) includes a second layer (125). The second layer (125) surrounds the first layer (120). Each of the one or more buffer tubes (110a-110l) encloses 24 optical fibers (115). The first layer (120) includes one or more yams. The optical fiber cable (100) has an outer diameter of about 8.8 millimeter and a weight of about 85 kilograms per kilometer.