Transparent Optical Cable with Filler for Indoor Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-mode optical cables have a complex double sheath structure, leading to increased volume and manufacturing costs, and are often visible indoors, which can be aesthetically mismatched with surroundings.
Innovation Solution
An optical cable with a simple structure featuring transparent optical fibers, a transparent sheath, and a filler material that minimizes the outer diameter and makes the cable invisible by allowing light penetration, reducing visibility and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a double sheath structure is used to protect multiple optical fibers, then the mechanical strength and protection are improved, but the volume and device complexity are greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical fibers into a single sheath structure instead of using separate sheaths for each fiber. This merging approach maintains the protective function while significantly reducing the overall cable volume and simplifying the structure, directly resolving the contradiction between protection strength and volume reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple optical fibers within a single sheath, with fibers arranged concentrically or in a compact pattern around a central axis. This nesting configuration allows multiple fibers to share the same protective envelope, reducing the total volume required compared to individual sheaths while maintaining mechanical protection for each fiber.
2Reliability
If a double sheath structure is used for multi-mode optical cables, then the protection and structural integrity are improved, but the manufacturing process complexity and manufacturing cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sheathing process into a single operation where multiple optical fibers are enclosed together in one sheath rather than requiring separate sheathing operations for each fiber. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the protective function, directly addressing the contradiction between structural integrity and manufacturing complexity.
3Strength
If traditional opaque cable materials are used, then the mechanical strength and durability are improved, but the aesthetic appearance and environmental integration are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a transparent or translucent coating to the sheath material, creating a local quality change that allows light transmission. This transparent layer maintains the mechanical protection function while adding the aesthetic quality of visibility, enabling the cable to blend with surrounding environments such as walls or ceilings without requiring separate aesthetic covers.
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 results in a slim, cost-effective, and aesthetically integrated optical cable that is less visible, maintaining high performance while blending with indoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
a substantially transparent sheath in which the plurality of optical fibers are irregularly arranged; and a substantially transparent filler configured to fill a space between the sheath and each of the plurality of optical fibers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An optical cable and an optical cable assembly having the same are provided. The optical cable includes a plurality of optical fibers each of which includes a core, a clad arranged on an outside of the core, and a coating layer arranged on an outside of the clad; a substantially transparent sheath in which the plurality of optical fibers are arranged; and a substantially transparent filler configured to fill a space between the sheath and the plurality of optical fibers.