Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates generally to optical fiber cables, and, more particularly, to an optical fiber cable with embedded strength members.
BACKGROUND
Optical fiber cables are provided with one or more strength members that provide mechanical strength for handling and pulling the optical fiber cable and stiffness for blowing and to bear the load during operations. Conventional optical fiber cables have strength members embedded either at the center of the optical fiber cable, or in the sheath of the optical fiber cable. The strength members are either made up of Aramid Reinforced Plastic (ARP) or Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP).
Prior art reference “JP2010128169A” discloses strength members made of mono-filament such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) or Polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) having young’s modulus in a range of 8 to 30 Giga-Pascals (GPa) and multi-filaments either made up of FRP or ARP inside the optical fiber cables.
Prior art reference “US7706640B2” discloses strength members embedding with either ARP or FRP only. Further two tubes containing fibers are embedded in a sheath of the optical fiber cable for gas leak detection.
Prior art reference “WO2022153970A1” discloses strength members made up of either of, ARP, FRP or liquid crystal polymer (LCP).
However, the strength members as disclosed in the above states prior arts have their individual drawbacks. Strength members made up of FRP make the optical fiber cable rigid and less flexible whereas strength members made up of ARP add up to the expenses of the optical fiber cable.
Thus, there is a need for an optical fiber that overcomes the above stated disadvantages of conventional optical fiber cable.

SUMMARY
In an aspect of the present disclosure, an optical fiber cable is disclosed having one or more optical fibers and a sheath that surrounds the one or more optical fibers, and a plurality of multi-filament strength members embedded in the sheath. At least one multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members is made up of a first multi-filament material that is different from a second multi-filament material of the other multi-filament strength members of the plurality of multi-filament strength members.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The following detailed description of the preferred aspects of the present disclosure will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not limited by the accompanying figures, in which, like references indicate similar elements.
FIG. 1 illustrates an optical fiber cable having a plurality of multi-filament strength members fully embedded in a sheath.
FIG. 2 illustrates the optical fiber cable having the plurality of multi-filament strength members partially embedded in the sheath.
FIG. 3 illustrates the optical fiber cable having the plurality of multi-filament strength members.
FIG. 4 illustrates the sheath of the optical fiber cable having the plurality of multi-filament strength members.
DEFINITIONS
The term “sheath” as used herein is referred to as an outermost layer or an outermost jacket of the optical fiber cable that holds and protects the contents of the optical fiber cable.
The term “multi-filament strength member” as used herein is referred to as a strength member made up of multiple filaments or yarns that provides strength to the optical fiber cable.
The term “multi-filament material” as used herein is referred to as a yarn material used to make the multi-filament strength member.
The term “elongation at a break” as used herein is referred to as a value of increase in a length of the multi-filament strength member (i.e, elongation) before breaking of the multi-filament strength member.
The term “bending stiffness” as used herein is referred to as a resistance value of the multi-filament strength member before a deformation in a shape of the multi-filament strength member.
The terms “ribbon stack” as used herein are referred to a type of optical fiber ribbon bundle formed in the form of a stack of optical fiber ribbons.
The term “ribbon bundle” as used herein is referred to as a bundle of optical fiber ribbons.
The term “tight-buffered optical fiber” as used herein refers to a thermoplastic layer that may surround an optical fiber and in contact with single optical fiber such that an inner diameter of the thermoplastic layer is substantially equal to an outer diameter of the optical fiber.
The term “intelligently bonded fiber (IBR)” as used herein is referred to as intermittently bonded ribbon consisting of fibers that are bonded (in a planned manner) using matrix material, that makes the IBR capable of being rolled up in the form of bundles.
The term “single core fiber” as used herein is referred to as an optical fiber having only one core.
The term “multi-core fiber” as used herein is referred to as an optical fiber having more than one cores.
The term “multi-mode fiber” as used herein is referred to as a type of optical fiber that enables multiple light modes to be propagated inside the optical fiber and limits the maximum length of a transmission link by way of model dispersion.
The term “single mode fiber” as used herein is referred to as a type of optical fiber designed to carry only a single light mode or ray of light.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The detailed description of the appended drawings is intended as a description of the currently preferred aspects of the present disclosure, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different aspects that are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
FIG. 1 illustrates an optical fiber cable 100 having a plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 fully embedded in a sheath 104 in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The optical fiber cable 100 may have one or more optical fibers 102 and the sheath 104 that may surround the one or more optical fibers 102.
The one or more optical fibers 102 may be capable of transferring information in the form of optical signals (i.e., using light sources).
Specifically, the optical fiber cable 100 may have first through fourth optical fibers of the one or more optical fibers 102 shown as 102a-102d, respectively. Although FIG. 1 illustrates that the one or more optical fibers 102 has four optical fibers (i.e., the first through fourth optical fibers 102a-102d), it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to it. In various other aspects, the one or more optical fibers 102 may have any number of optical fibers, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In such a scenario, each optical fiber may be structurally and functionally similar to the first through fourth optical fibers 102 as described herein.
The one or more optical fibers 102 may be selected from one of, a loose fiber, a ribbon stack, a ribbon bundle, an intelligently bundled ribbon (IBR) bundles, optical fibers in loose tubes, optical fibers in micromodules, tight-buffered optical fibers, and the like. The one or more fibers 102 may further be selected from one of a single mode fiber and a multimode fiber. Furthermore, the one or more fibers 102 may be selected from one of, a single-core fiber, and a multi-core fiber. In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more fibers 102 may have one or more properties possessed by at least one of, the abovementioned types of optical fibers.
The sheath 104 may be the outermost layer of the optical fiber cable 100 that may surround the one or more optical fibers 102. The sheath 104 may protect the optical fiber cable 100 from breaking and/or abrasion.
The sheath 104 may have the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 that may be fully embedded in the sheath 104. In some aspects of the present disclosure, each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may have a diameter in a range of 0.5 millimetres (mm) – 1.5mm. In some aspects of the present disclosure, each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may have a shape that may be selected from one of, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, an oval shape, and a square shape. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any shape for each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106, known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
The plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 that may be fully embedded in the sheath 104 may have at least one multi-filament strength member 106a (hereinafter interchangeably referred to and designated as “first set of multi-filament strength members 106a”) of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 that may be made up of a first multi-filament material. The plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 embedded in the sheath 104 may have other multi-filament strength members 106b (hereinafter interchangeably referred to and designated as “second set of multi-filament strength members 106b”) of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 that may be made up of a second multi-filament material. The first multi-filament material may be different from the second multi-filament material. Preferably, the first multi-filament material may be aramid yarn (i.e., a type of Aramid Reinforced Plastic (ARP) strength member) and the second multi-filament material may be glass roving yarn (i.e., a type of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) strength member). Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of filament material as the first multi-filament material including known, related, and later developed materials, and thus must not be considered as a limitation to the present disclosure. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of filament material as the second multi-filament material including known, related, and later developed materials, and thus must not be considered as a limitation to the present disclosure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, each multi-filament strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have a first diameter (D1). Each multi-filament strength member of the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may have a second diameter (D2). The first diameter (D1) may be less than or equal to the second diameter (D2). The first multi-filament material may have higher tensile strength than the second multi-filament material, thus the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a with a smaller diameter can provide a tensile strength equivalent to a tensile strength of the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b with a large diameter.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have a first value of a young’s modulus that may be greater than 90 Giga-Pascals (GPa). The second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may have a second value of the young’s modulus that may be less than 90 GPa.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have a first elongation value at a break that may be less than 2 percent. The second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may have a second elongation value at the break that be greater than 2 percent. In some aspects of the present disclosure, a value of a bending stiffness of the optical fiber cable 100 may be less than 1.3 times of a value of a bending stiffness of an optical fiber cable that has one or more strength members that are similar to a strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a because each strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a provides better bending capability to the optical fiber cable 100.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may have a numerical count that may be in a range of 2 to 14. In some aspects of the present disclosure, a numerical count of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may be at-least half (i.e., 50 percent) of a numerical count of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106, that may provide sufficient flexibility to the optical fiber cable 100 and may provide an ease of handling.
According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure (as shown in FIG. 1), the numerical count of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may preferably be six. The first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have first through fourth multi-filament strength members shown as 106aa-106ad, respectively. The second set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have fifth and sixth multi-filament strength members shown as 106ba and 106bb, respectively. Although FIG. 1 illustrates that the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a has four multi-filament strength members (i.e., the first through fourth multi-filament strength members 106aa-106ad), and the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b has two multi-filament strength members (i.e., the fifth and sixth multi-filament strength members 106ba-106bb), it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to it. In various other aspects, the first and second sets of multi-filament strength members 106 may have any number of strength members such that the combined numerical count of plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 is between 2 and 14, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In such a scenario, each multi-filament strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may be structurally and functionally similar to the first through fourth multi-filament strength members 106aa-106ad, and each multi-filament strength member of the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may be structurally and functionally similar to the fifth and sixth multi-filament strength members 106ba-106bb as described herein.
The shape, size and/or dimensions of each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 (i.e., the first through fourth multi-filament strength members shown as 106aa-106ad, and the fifth and sixth multi-filament strength members shown as 106ba and 106bb) may be same.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may be placed equidistant to one another in the sheath 104. In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may be strategically placed as per a desired requirement.
In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the sheath 104 may have one or more layers (not shown) to fully embed the multi-filament strength members 106.
FIG. 2 illustrates an optical fiber cable 100 having the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 partially embedded in a sheath 104 in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The optical fiber cable 100 may have the one or more optical fibers 102 and the sheath 104 that may surround the one or more optical fibers 102.
The one or more optical fibers 102 may be capable of transferring information in the form of optical signals (i.e., using light sources).
Specifically, the optical fiber cable 100 may have first through fourth optical fibers of the one or more optical fibers 102 shown as 102a-102d, respectively. Although FIG. 2 illustrates that the one or more optical fibers 102 has four optical fibers (i.e., the first through fourth optical fibers 102a-102d), it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to it. In various other aspects, the one or more optical fibers 102 may have any number of optical fibers, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In such a scenario, each optical fiber may be structurally and functionally similar to the first through fourth optical fibers 102 as described herein.
The one or more optical fibers 102 may be selected from one of, a loose fiber, a ribbon stack, a ribbon bundle, an intelligently bundled ribbon (IBR) bundles, optical fibers in loose tubes, optical fibers in micromodules, tight-buffered optical fibers, and the like. The one or more fibers 102 may further be selected from one of a single mode fiber and a multimode fiber. Furthermore, the one or more fibers 102 may be selected from one of, a single-core fiber, and a multi-core fiber. In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more fibers 102 may have one or more properties possessed by at least one of, the abovementioned types of optical fibers.
The sheath 104 may be the outermost layer of the optical fiber cable 100 that may surround the one or more optical fibers 102. The sheath 104 may protect the optical fiber cable 100 from breaking and/or abrasion.
The sheath 104 may have the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 that may be partially embedded in the sheath 104. In some aspects of the present disclosure, each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may have the diameter in the range of 0.5 millimetres (mm) – 1.5mm. In some aspects of the present disclosure, each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may have the shape that may be selected from one of, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, an oval shape, and a square shape. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any shape for each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106, known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
The plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 that may be partially embedded in the sheath 104 may have at least one multi-filament strength member 106a (i.e., the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a) of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 that may be made up of the first multi-filament material. The plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 embedded in the sheath 104 may have other multi-filament strength members 106b (i.e., the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b) of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 that may be made up of the second multi-filament material. The first multi-filament material may be different from the second multi-filament material. Preferably, the first multi-filament material may be aramid yarn (i.e., a type of Aramid Reinforced Plastic (ARP) strength member) and the second multi-filament material may be glass roving yarn (i.e., a type of Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) strength member). Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of filament material as the first multi-filament material including known, related, and later developed materials, and thus must not be considered as a limitation to the present disclosure. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of filament material as the second multi-filament material including known, related, and later developed materials, and thus must not be considered as a limitation to the present disclosure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, each multi-filament strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have the first diameter (D1). Each multi-filament strength member of the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may have the second diameter (D2). The first diameter (D1) may be less than or equal to the second diameter (D2). The first multi-filament material may have higher tensile strength than the second multi-filament material, thus the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a with the smaller diameter can provide the tensile strength equivalent to the tensile strength of the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b with the large diameter.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have the first value of the young’s modulus that may be greater than 90 Giga-Pascals (GPa). The second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may have the second value of the young’s modulus that may be less than 90 GPa.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have the first elongation value at a break that may be less than 2 percent. The second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may have the second elongation value at the break that be greater than 2 percent. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the value of the bending stiffness of the optical fiber cable 100 may be less than 1.3 times of the value of a bending stiffness of the optical fiber cable that has one or more strength members that are similar to the strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a because each strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a provides better bending capability to the optical fiber cable 100.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may have the numerical count that may be in the range of 2 to 14. In some aspects of the present disclosure, a numerical count of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may be at-least half (i.e., 50 percent) of the numerical count of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106, that may provide sufficient flexibility to the optical fiber cable 100 and may provide an ease of handling.
According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure (as shown in FIG. 2), the numerical count of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may preferably be six. The first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have first through fourth multi-filament strength members shown as 106aa-106ad, respectively. The second set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have fifth and sixth multi-filament strength members shown as 106ba and 106bb, respectively. Although FIG. 2 illustrates that the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a has four multi-filament strength members (i.e., the first through fourth multi-filament strength members 106aa-106ad), and the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b has two multi-filament strength members (i.e., the fifth and sixth multi-filament strength members 106ba-106bb), it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to it. In various other aspects, the first and second sets of multi-filament strength members 106 may have any number of strength members such that the combined numerical count of plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 (i.e., the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a and the second set of of multi-filament strength members 106a) is between 2 and 14, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In such a scenario, each multi-filament strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may be structurally and functionally similar to the first through fourth multi-filament strength members 106aa-106ad, and each multi-filament strength member of the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may be structurally and functionally similar to the fifth and sixth multi-filament strength members 106ba-106bb as described herein.
The shape, size and/or dimensions of each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 (i.e., the first through fourth multi-filament strength members shown as 106aa-106ad, and the fifth and sixth multi-filament strength members shown as 106ba and 106bb) may be same.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may be placed equidistant to one another in the sheath 104. In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may be strategically placed as per a desired requirement.
In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the sheath 104 may have one or more layers (not shown) to partially embed the multi-filament strength members 106.
FIG. 3 illustrates an optical fiber cable 100 having the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 in accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The optical fiber cable 100 may have the one or more optical fibers 102 in the form of one or more fiber bundles 110, and the sheath 104 that surrounds the one fiber bundles 110 having the one or more optical fibers 102.
Specifically, the one or more fiber bundles 110 may have a first and a second fiber bundle of the one or more fiber bundles 102 shown as 110a and 110b. Although FIG. 3 illustrates that the one or more fiber bundles 110 has two fiber bundles (i.e., the first and second fiber bundles 110a and 110b, respectively), it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to it. In various other aspects, the one or more fiber bundles 110 may have any number of fiber bundles, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In such a scenario, each fiber bundle may be structurally and functionally similar to the first and second fiber bundles 102 as described herein.
Specifically, the first fiber bundle 110a may have the first and the second optical fibers of the one or more optical fibers 102 shown as 102a and 102b, respectively, and the second fiber bundle 110b may have the third and the fourth optical fibers of the one or more optical fibers 102 shown as 102c and 102d. Although FIG. 3 illustrates that the first fiber bundle 110a has two optical fibers (i.e., the first and second optical fibers 102a and 102b, respectively), and the second fiber bundle 110b has two optical fibers (i.e., the third and fourth optical fibers 102c and 102d, respectively) it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to it. In various other aspects, the first and second fiber bundles 110 may have any number of optical fibers, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In such a scenario, each optical fiber of the first fiber bundle 110a may be structurally and functionally similar to the first and second optical fibers 102a and 102b, and each optical fiber of the second fiber bundle 110b may be structurally and functionally similar to the third and fourth optical fibers 102c and 102d as described herein.
The one or more optical fibers 102 may be selected from one of, the loose fiber, the ribbon stack, the ribbon bundle, the intelligently bundled ribbon (IBR) bundles, the optical fibers in loose tubes, the optical fibers in micromodules, the tight-buffered optical fibers, and the like. The one or more fibers 102 may further be selected from one of the single mode fiber and the multimode fiber. Furthermore, the one or more fibers 102 may be selected from one of, the single-core fiber, and the multi-core fiber. In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more fibers 102 may have one or more properties possessed by at least one of, the abovementioned types of optical fibers.
The sheath 104 may be the outermost layer of the optical fiber cable 100 that may surround the one or more optical fibers 102. The sheath 106 may protect the optical fiber cable 100 from breaking and/or abrasion.
The sheath 104 may have the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 that are embedded in the sheath 104. In some aspects of the present disclosure, each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may have the diameter in the range of 0.5 millimetres (mm) – 1.5mm. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the shape of each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may be selected from one of, one of, the circular shape, the rectangular shape, the oval shape, and a square shape.
The plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may have the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a, and the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b. The first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may be made up of the first multi-filament material. The second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may be made up of the second multi-filament material that may be different than the first multi-filament material of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a. Preferably, the first multi-filament material may be aramid yarn (i.e., the type of ARP strength member) and the second multi-filament material may be glass roving yarn (i.e., the type of FRP strength member). Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of filament material as the first multi-filament material including known, related, and later developed materials, and thus must not be considered as a limitation to the present disclosure. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of filament material as the second multi-filament material including known, related, and later developed materials, and thus must not be considered as a limitation to the present disclosure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, each multi-filament strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have the first diameter (D1). Each multi-filament strength member of the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may have the second diameter (D2). The first diameter (D1) may be less than or equal to the second diameter (D2). The first multi-filament material may have higher tensile strength than the second multi-filament material, thus the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a with the smaller diameter can provide the tensile strength equivalent to the strength of the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b with the large diameter.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have the first value of a young’s modulus that may be greater than 90 Giga-Pascals (GPa). The second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may have the second value of the young’s modulus that may be less than 90 GPa.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have the first elongation value at the break that may be less than 2 percent. The second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may have the second elongation value at the break that be greater than 2 percent. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the value of the bending stiffness of the optical fiber cable 100 may be less than 1.3 times of the value of the bending stiffness of an optical fiber cable that has one or more strength members that are similar to a strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a because each strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a provides better bending capability to the optical fiber cable 100.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may have the numerical count that may be in a range of 2 to 14. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the numerical count of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may be at-least half (i.e., 50 percent) of the numerical count of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106, that may provide sufficient flexibility to the optical fiber cable 100 and may provide an ease of handling.
According to an exemplary as aspect of the present disclosure (as shown in FIG. 3), the numerical count of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may preferably be four. The first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have the first and second multi-filament strength members shown as 106aa and 106ab, respectively. The second set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have the third and the fourth multi-filament strength members shown as 106ba and 106bb, respectively. Although FIG. 3 illustrates that the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a has two multi-filament strength members (i.e., the first and second multi-filament strength members 106aa and 106ab), and the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b has two multi-filament strength members (i.e., the fifth and sixth multi-filament strength members 106ba-106bb), it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to it. In various other aspects, the first and second sets of multi-filament strength members 106 may have any number of strength members such that the combined numerical count of plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 (i.e., the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a and the second set of multi-filament strength members 106a) is between 2 and 14, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In such a scenario, each multi-filament strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may be structurally and functionally similar to the first and second multi-filament strength members 106aa and 106ab, and each multi-filament strength member of the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may be structurally and functionally similar to the fifth and sixth multi-filament strength members 106ba-106bb as described herein.
The shape, size and/or dimensions of each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 (i.e., the first and the second multi-filament strength members shown as 106aa and 106ab, and the third and fourth multi-filament strength members shown as 106ba and 106bb) may be same.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may be placed equidistant to one another in the sheath 104. In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may be strategically placed as per a desired requirement.
In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the sheath 104 may have the one or more layers (not shown) to fully or partially embed the multi-filament strength members 106.
FIG. 4 illustrates a sheath of an optical fiber cable 100 having the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 in accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure. The optical fiber cable 100 may have the sheath 104.
The sheath 104 may be the outermost layer of the optical fiber cable 100 and may protect the optical fiber cable 100 from breaking and/or abrasion.
The sheath 104 may have the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 that are embedded in the sheath 104. In some aspects of the present disclosure, each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may have the diameter in the range of 0.5 millimetres (mm) – 1.5mm. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the shape of each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may be selected from one of, one of, the circular shape, the rectangular shape, the oval shape, and a square shape.
The plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may have the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a, and the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b. The first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may be made up of the first multi-filament material. The second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may be made up of the second multi-filament material that may be different than the first multi-filament material of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a. Preferably, the first multi-filament material may be aramid yarn (i.e., the type of ARP strength member) and the second multi-filament material may be glass roving yarn (i.e., the type of FRP strength member). Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of filament material as the first multi-filament material including known, related, and later developed materials, and thus must not be considered as a limitation to the present disclosure. Aspects of the present disclosure are intended to include and/or otherwise cover any type of filament material as the second multi-filament material including known, related, and later developed materials, and thus must not be considered as a limitation to the present disclosure.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, each multi-filament strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have the first diameter (D1). Each multi-filament strength member of the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may have the second diameter (D2). The first diameter (D1) may be less than or equal to the second diameter (D2). The first multi-filament material may have higher tensile strength than the second multi-filament material, thus the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a with the smaller diameter can provide the tensile strength equivalent to the tensile strength of the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b with the large diameter.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have the first value of a young’s modulus that may be greater than 90 Giga-Pascals (GPa). The second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may have the second value of the young’s modulus that may be less than 90 GPa.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have the first elongation value at the break that may be less than 2 percent. The second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may have the second elongation value at the break that be greater than 2 percent. In some aspects of the present disclosure, a value of a bending stiffness of the optical fiber cable 100 may be less than 1.3 times of a value of a bending stiffness of an optical fiber cable that has one or more strength members that are similar to a strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a because each strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a provides better bending capability to the optical fiber cable 100.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may have the numerical count that may be in a range of 2 to 14. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may be at-least half (i.e., 50 percent) of the numerical count of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106, that may provide sufficient flexibility to the optical fiber cable 100 and may provide an ease of handling.
In some aspects of the present disclosure, the optical fiber cable 100 may further have the one or more optical fibers 102 (as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2).
The one or more optical fibers 102 may be selected from one of, the loose fiber, the ribbon stack, the ribbon bundle, the intelligently bundled ribbon (IBR) bundles, the optical fibers in loose tubes, the optical fibers in micromodules, the tight-buffered optical fibers, and the like. The one or more fibers 102 may further be selected from one of the single mode fiber and the multimode fiber. Furthermore, the one or more fibers 102 may be selected from one of, the single-core fiber, and the multi-core fiber. In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the one or more fibers 102 may have one or more properties possessed by at least one of, the abovementioned types of optical fibers.
According to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure (as shown in FIG. 3), the numerical count of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may preferably be four. The first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have the first and second multi-filament strength members shown as 106aa and 106ab, respectively. The second set of multi-filament strength members 106a may have the third and the fourth multi-filament strength members shown as 106ba and 106bb, respectively. Although FIG. 3 illustrates that the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a has two multi-filament strength members (i.e., the first and second multi-filament strength members 106aa and 106ab), and the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b has two multi-filament strength members (i.e., the fifth and sixth multi-filament strength members 106ba-106bb), it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to it. In various other aspects, the first and second sets of multi-filament strength members 106 may have any number of strength members such that the combined numerical count of plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 (i.e., the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a and the second set of multi-filament strength members 106a) is between 2 and 14, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In such a scenario, each multi-filament strength member of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may be structurally and functionally similar to the first and second multi-filament strength members 106aa and 106ab, and each multi-filament strength member of the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b may be structurally and functionally similar to the fifth and sixth multi-filament strength members 106ba-106bb as described herein.
The size and/or dimension of the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a may be less than the size and/or dimension of the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may be placed equidistant to one another in the sheath 104. In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 may be strategically placed as per a desired requirement.
In some other aspects of the present disclosure, the sheath 104 may have the one or more layers (not shown) to fully or partially embed the multi-filament strength members 106.
As discussed earlier, there is a need for less expensive optical fiber cable with optimized flexibility and strength. The optical fiber cable 100 of the present disclosure may provide a less expensive optical fiber cable with optimized flexibility and strength by way of the plurality of multi-filament strength members 106 having the first set of multi-filament strength members 106a composed of the first multi-filament material (i.e., the type of ARP strength member), and the second set of multi-filament strength members 106b composed of the second multi-filament material (i.e., the type of FRP strength member).
While various aspects of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the present disclosure is not limited to these aspects only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as described in the claims. Further, unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. , Claims:We Claim(s):
1. An optical fiber cable (100) comprising:
one or more optical fibers (102);
a sheath (104) that surrounds the one or more optical fibers (102); and
a plurality of multi-filament strength members (106) embedded in the sheath (104), where at least one multi-filament strength member (106a) of the plurality of multi-filament strength members (106) is made up of a first multi-filament material that is different from a second multi-filament material of the other multi-filament strength members (106b) of the plurality of multi-filament strength members (106).

2. The optical fiber cable (100) of claim 1, where the plurality of multi-filament strength members (106) has a numerical count that is in a range of 2 to 14.

3. The optical fiber cable (100) of claim 1, where the first multi-filament material is aramid yarn and the second multi-filament material is glass roving yarn.

4. The optical fiber cable (100) of claim 1, where each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members (106) has a diameter that is in a range of 0.5 millimetres (mm) to 1.5 mm.

5. The optical fiber cable (100) of claim 1, where each multi-filament strength member of the plurality of multi-filament strength members (106) has a shape that is selected from one of, a circular shape, a rectangular shape, an oval shape, a square shape.

6. The optical fiber cable (100) of claim 1, where the at least one multi-filament strength member (106a) of the plurality of multi-filament strength members (106) that is made up of the first material has a numerical count that is at-least 50% of a numerical count of the plurality of multi-filament strength members (106).

7. The optical fiber cable (100) of claim 1, where each multi-filament strength member of the at least first multi-filament strength member (106a) has a first diameter (D1), and each multi-filament strength member of the second multi-filament strength members (106b) has a second diameter (D2) such that the first diameter (D1) is less than or equal to the second diameter (D2).

8. The optical fiber cable (100) of claim 1, where the at least one multi-filament strength member (106a) has a first value of a young’s modulus that is greater than 90 Giga-Pascals (GPa), and each multi-filament strength member of the other multi-filament strength members (106b) has a second value of the young’s modulus that is less than 90 GPa.

9. The optical fiber cable (100) of claim 1, where the at least one multi-filament strength member (106a) has a first elongation value at a break that is less than 2 percent, and each multi-filament strength member of the other multi-filament strength members (106b) has a second elongation value at the break that is greater than 2 percent.

10. The optical fiber cable (100) of claim 1, where a bending stiffness of the optical fiber cable (100) is less than 1.3 times of a value of the bending stiffness of an optical fiber cable having strength members similar number to the first type of strength members (106a) only.