S-Z Stranded Optical Cable for Stable Bending and Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber cables with subunits experience degradation in bending performance over time due to asymmetrical forces during installation and movement, leading to reduced handling performance.
Innovation Solution
The subunits are configured with a combination of left-hand and right-hand helical twists, and S-Z stranding is used to counteract these forces, with a water-blocking layer and a polymer jacket to enhance mechanical properties and prevent water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If optical fiber cables use subunits with single-direction helical twists, then the cables can be manufactured with consistent twisting direction, but the bending performance degrades over time due to asymmetrical forces during installation and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using opposite helical twist directions in different subunits (first subunit with right-hand twist, second subunit with left-hand twist) to counteract asymmetrical forces during installation and movement, preventing bending performance degradation while maintaining manufacturing consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements counterweight by introducing subunits with opposite helical twists that balance the asymmetrical forces acting on the cable during installation and movement, where the counter-twisting subunits offset the stress and strain on the optical fibers
2Ease of operation
If subunits are configured with opposite helical twists, then handling performance is improved by counteracting asymmetrical forces, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cable into distinct subunits (first subunit with right-hand twist, second subunit with left-hand twist) that can be independently configured with opposite helical twists, improving handling performance while managing structural complexity through modular design
3Strength
If optical fibers are twisted within subunit jackets, then the subunits gain mechanical strength and structural integrity, but the optical fibers may experience stress and strain affecting signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing water-blocking material specifically in the bore of the subunit jackets where optical fibers are located, protecting the fibers from water ingress while allowing the twisted configuration to provide structural integrity without compromising signal transmission
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 configuration improves the handling and mechanical performance of optical fiber cables by maintaining structural integrity and reducing water ingress, thereby extending the cable's lifespan and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of optical fibers are twisted within the first subunit jacket in a first rotational direction... The plurality of optical fibers are twisted within the second subunit jacket in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction
Implementation Method 2
a water-blocking layer and a polymer jacket to enhance mechanical properties and prevent water ingress
Implementation Method 3
S-Z stranding is used to counteract these forces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An optical fiber cable that includes subunits is provided. Optical fiber cables are used to transmit data over distance. The subunits are twisted and stranded within the cable to reduce degradation of stranding during use of the cable. The subunits of one or more optical fiber cables are arranged in complimentary configurations that counteract their varying asymmetrical forces to provide an improved handling performance for the optical fiber cable.