FURCATING FIBER OPTIC CABLES WITHOUT DIRECT COUPLING OF OPTICAL FIBERS TO STRENGTH MEMBERS, AND RELATED ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS

摘要

Furcating fiber optic cables without direct coupling of optical fibers to strength members are disclosed. Related methods and assemblies are also disclosed. The furcation includes shrink tube(s) securing optical fiber(s) to their fiber sub-unit jacket(s). The shrink tube(s) is secured inside a cable jacket of the fiber optic cable to secure fiber sub-unit(s) and their optical fiber(s) as part of the furcation. The strength member(s) of the fiber optic cable is also secured to the cable jacket as part of the furcation. The shrink tube(s) prevents direct coupling of the optical fiber(s) to the strength member(s) in the furcation. By not directly coupling the optical fiber(s) to the strength member(s), cable strain can be directed to the cable jacket and the fiber sub-unit jacket(s). The shrink tube(s) can also prevent or reduce micro-bubbles from forming around the optical fiber(s) in the furcation which may cause attenuation from optical fiber micro-bending.

主权项

1. A method of furcating a fiber optic cable, comprising:
exposing an end portion of at least one fiber sub-unit and an end portion of at least one strength member from a cable jacket of a fiber optic cable; exposing an end portion of at least one optical fiber from an end portion of at least one fiber sub-unit jacket of the at least one fiber sub-unit; securing the end portion of the at least one optical fiber to the at least one fiber sub-unit jacket with at least one shrink tube; and securing the at least one shrink tube securing the at least one optical fiber to the at least one fiber sub-unit jacket, and the at least one strength member to the cable jacket with at least one coupling member to furcate the fiber optic cable without direct coupling of the at least one strength member to the at least one optical fiber.