Traceable Fiber Optic Cable Assembly Illumination Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data centers, tracing the ends of fiber optic cables is challenging due to congestion, clutter, and the risk of errors during reconfiguration, especially when cable ends are not easily visible or require removal for tracing, which can lead to network routing accidents.
Innovation Solution
A traceable fiber optic cable assembly with tracing optical fibers that receive an optical tracing signal from a light launch device, allowing for easy identification of cable ends without the need for additional electrical components, using connectors with internal and external illumination structures to redirect and disperse light for visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional cable tracing methods are used, then cable ends can be located, but the process is time-consuming and requires removal of cable ends which increases risk of errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing illumination structures (such as LEDs or reflective elements) at cable ends during the cable deployment phase. This allows the cable ends to be pre-prepared with visibility features, eliminating the need for removal or complex tracing operations later. The illumination structures are already in place to receive and transmit optical signals for rapid identification.
2Ease of operation
If cable ends are illuminated with low intensity lighting, then visibility is provided, but the illumination is not easily visible to operators in congested environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using high-intensity, directional illumination structures positioned specifically at cable end locations. The illumination structures (such as LEDs, laser diodes, or reflective tapes) are localized to the cable ends and emit light with sufficient intensity to be visible through the cable jacket and connector housing. The illumination is directed toward the operator's viewing angle, providing localized high-visibility signaling without requiring high power consumption throughout the entire cable length.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies color changes by using illumination structures that emit light in distinct, easily distinguishable colors (such as green, yellow, or red LEDs) to indicate different cable end states or identities. The colored illumination provides high contrast against the cable jacket and background, making cable ends immediately recognizable to operators in congested data center environments.
3Ease of operation
If electrical components are used for tracing, then tracing functionality is achieved, but the system complexity increases and all-optical system integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing electrical tracing components (such as electrical continuity testers, multimeters, or powered tracing devices) with purely optical tracing mechanisms. The illumination structures at cable ends work with optical launch devices to transmit light through the fiber optic cable, enabling tracing functionality through optical signals alone. This eliminates the need for electrical power sources, batteries, or electronic circuitry within the cable assembly, maintaining the all-optical system integrity while providing robust tracing capability.
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
Facilitates quick and accurate tracing of fiber optic cables, reducing the risk of errors and accidents by providing a reliable and tool-free method for aligning and illuminating cable ends, even in congested environments.
Implementation Method 1
a tracing optical fiber comprising a launch end and a first emission end. The tracing optical fiber is configured to receive an optical tracing signal (e.g., light) from a launch light source and carry the received optical tracing signal from the first launch end to the first emission end for tracing the traceable fiber optic cable
Implementation Method 2
the first fiber optic connector contains a registration feature (e.g., connector fiber guide) that is configured to interface (in some cases toollessly) with a removable launch connector when it is desired to launch an optical tracing signal
Data Source
AI summary
A traceable fiber optic cable assembly with an illumination structure and tracing optical fibers for carrying light received from a light launch device is disclosed herein. The traceable fiber optic cable assembly and light launch device provide easy tracing of the traceable fiber optic cable assembly using fiber optic tracing signals. Further, the launch connector is easily attached to and removed from the fiber optic connector with repeatable and reliable alignment of optic fibers, even when the fiber optic connector is mechanically and/or optically engaged with a network component. The fiber optic connectors are configured to efficiently illuminate an exterior of the connector for effective visibility for a user to quickly locate the fiber optic connector.