WO2017106507A1

WO2017106507A1 - Arrangments for pushing cables through ducting; and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2017106507A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/066939
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael James Ott
Original assignee: Commscope Technologies Llc
Priority date: 2015-12-16
Filing date: 2016-12-15
Publication date: 2017-06-22

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to a method for moving a steerable head casing through a conduit having a first end and a second end. The steerable head casing encloses a ferrule assembly that has a ferrule mounted to an optical fiber of a fiber optic cable. The method includes the steps of pushing the steerable head casing through the conduit in one direction from the first end of the conduit toward the second end of the conduit using a flexible fish tape member. The flexible fish tape member being configured to abut a shoulder of the steerable head casing to advance the steerable head casing through the conduit. The method further includes the steps of removing the flexible fish tape member from the conduit at the second end. The flexible fish tape member enables a single operator to install the ferrule connector.

Description

ARRANGMENTS FOR PUSHING CABLES THROUGH DUCTING; AND

METHODS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application is being filed on December 13, 2016 as a PCT International Patent Application and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 62/268,379, filed on December 16, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to devices used to push optical fiber cables through cable ducts. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods for guiding optical fiber cables through cable ducts or microducts.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic communication systems are becoming prevalent in part because service providers want to deliver high band width communication capabilities (e.g., data and voice) to customers. Fiber optic communication systems employ a network of fiber optic cables to transmit large volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances. Fiber optic connectors are an important part of most fiber optic communication systems. There is an increasing need for connectors that can be installed in challenging locations.

It is known in the prior art to use cable pushers to feed cabling through ducting. Such cable pushers usually comprise a reel of stiff but bendable pushing rod which may be pushed, either manually or mechanically, through the ducting without the cable. The pushing rod is pushed until it reaches a destination access point, at which point the cable is attached to an end thereof. The pushing rod is then pulled back through the ducting, pulling the cable with it. An intermediate stage may also be used, in which a "fishing line" is first pulled or pushed through the ducting using the pushing rod, so that the fishing line can be used subsequently to pull through other cables and/or lines.

It is also known in the prior art to attach the cable to an end of the rod being pushed into the ducting so that the cable is carried through the ducting with the rod. This usually, however, would require a relatively stiff cable, which may be more expensive. Pulling the cable through typically requires two people.

Furthermore, there exists various types of ducting junction geometries through which the prior art push-rod may not be capable of feeding through. In such cases, extra access openings must be added, or temporary access to the ducting must be provided by excavating a building or surrounding road. These options are expensive, inconvenient, and time-consuming.

In many situations, cable-feeding operations will occur in ducting where cables already exist. As such, there is the risk of damaging the existing cables each time the push-rod is pushed or manipulated.

Improvements in cable-feeding relating to devices and methods are desirable.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to methods for cable-feeding ferrule assemblies through cable ducts. The ferrule assemblies can include a ferrule mounted at the terminal end of an optical fiber of a fiber optic cable. The ferrule assemblies can also include a hub for supporting the ferrule and a spring positioned behind the hub. The fiber optic cable can include one or more tensile strength members secured within the ferrule hub. The ferrule assemblies are typically assembled in the factory or by installers. Example ferrule assemblies to be pushed are shown in U.S. Application No. 62/268,418, filed herewith, and having attorney docket number 02316.4991USP1, and titled "Field Installed Fiber Optic Connector," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for moving a steerable head casing through a conduit having a first end and a second end. The steerable head casing encloses a ferrule assembly that has a ferrule mounted to an optical fiber of a fiber optic cable. The method includes the steps of pushing the steerable head casing through the conduit in one direction from the first end of the conduit toward the second end of the conduit using a flexible fish tape member. The flexible fish tape member being configured to abut a shoulder of the steerable head casing to advance the steerable head casing through the conduit. The method further includes the steps of removing the flexible fish tape member from the conduit at the second end. The flexible fish tape member enables a single operator to install the ferrule connector. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for moving a ferrule connector through a conduit having a first end and a second end. The method includes the steps of attaching a stiffening member to the ferrule connector during installation of the ferrule connector in a network. The stiffening member includes a fish tape member. The method further includes the steps of pushing the ferrule connector by the stiffening member through the conduit in one direction from the first end of the conduit towards the second end of the conduit. Detaching the stiffening member from the ferrule connector and removing the stiffening member from the conduit at the second end. The stiffening members enable a single operator to install the ferrule connector.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for feeding a ferrule connector through a single conduit having unrestricted access. The conduit includes an access opening. The system includes a stiffening member having a distal end and a proximal end. The stiffening member defines a slot with a first portion and a second portion. The ferrule connector can be positioned within the first portion of the stiffening member and a cable of the ferrule connector can be placed in the second portion of the stiffening member. The stiffening member can be configured to navigate the ferrule connector through the conduit. A longitudinal element can be coupled to the stiffening member at the distal end. The longitudinal element can be used to push ferrule connector into the access opening of the conduit. The system can include a tape element for coupling the cable of the ferrule connector to the longitudinal element.

A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for moving a ferrule assembly through a duct having restricted access using a stiffening tool. The stiffening tool can include a steerable head piece and a flexible pushing member. The steerable head piece defines a first coupling opening and a second coupling opening. The steerable head piece enables an installer to navigate the ferrule assembly through the restricted duct. The method can include the steps of mounting the ferrule assembly into the first coupling opening of the steerable head piece and mounting the flexible pushing member into the second coupling opening of the steerable head piece and mechanically coupling the steerable head piece together with the ferrule assembly. The method includes the step of pushing the stiffening tool that includes the ferrule assembly through the duct from a first end towards a second end. The steerable head piece guides the ferrule assembly through the duct around existing cables. The method further includes the steps of detaching the stiffening tool from the ferrule assembly at the second end of the duct and removing the stiffening tool from the duct. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for moving a ferrule assembly through a duct having restricted access using a nose assembly. The nose assembly can include a nose piece holder, a connecting element, and a flexible cable positioned between the connecting element and the nose piece holder. The nose assembly enables an installer to navigate a steerable nose piece housing the ferrule assembly through the restricted duct. The method can includes the steps of mounting a portion of the steerable nose piece into the nose piece holder, coupling the connecting element to a push member, and pushing the steerable nose piece through the duct from a first end towards a second end using the push member. The steerable nose piece can guide a cable of the ferrule assembly through the duct around existing cables. The method further includes the steps of detaching the steerable nose piece from the nose piece holder upon reaching the second end of the duct, detaching the connecting element from the push member, and removing the nose assembly from the duct.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is one embodiment of an example arrangement for pushing cables through unrestricted ducts, a perspective view of an example steerable head casing prior to entering a duct, which is used to guide a push member through the duct in accord with the principles of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 is a bottom, perspective view of the steerable head casing and push member shown in Figure 1 after passing through the duct.

Figures 3-8 show another embodiment of an example arrangement for pushing cables through ducts, perspective views of an example stiffening member is depicted including a push member for moving a cable through the duct in accord with the principles of the present disclosure.

Figures 9-13 show yet another embodiment of an example arrangement for pushing cables through ducts, perspective views of an example steerable head piece including a push member for moving a cable through the duct in accord with the principles of the present disclosure. Figures 14-16 show another embodiment of an example arrangement for pushing cables through ducts, perspective views of an example steerable nose piece including a connecting element, flexible cable, and nose piece holder for moving a cable through the duct in accord with the principles of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1-2 illustrate a first embodiment of an example arrangement for pushing cables, wires, cords, pipes, tapes, or similar flexible materials through ducts. A steerable head casing 20 shown prior to entering an unrestricted cable duct 22 (e.g., conduit). In one example the cable duct 22 has a cross-dimension of about 10 mm, alternatives are possible. The steerable head casing 20 is arranged and configured to house a ferrule assembly (not shown) that has been assembled in the factory, which is suitable for practicing aspects of the present disclosure. The ferrule assembly can include a ferrule mounted at a terminal end of an optical fiber of a fiber optic cable 24. The ferrule assembly can also include a hub for supporting the ferrule and a spring positioned behind the hub. The fiber optic cable 24 can include one or more tensile strength members secured within the ferrule hub. The ferrule assembly can be modified to fit any type of connection for a given network, including hardened connections.

The steerable head casing 20 includes a proximal end 26 and an opposite distal end 28. The proximal end 26 of the steerable head casing 20 includes an eye aperture 30 which allows for attachment of a push member for pushing the optical fiber cable 24 through the cable duct 22. The proximal end 26 of the steerable head casing 20 has a tapered, cone-like shape to help navigate the fiber optic cable 24 through and around bends of the cable duct 22.

A flexible fish tape member 32 is depicted as engaging (e.g., abutting) a shoulder 34 of the steerable head casing 20 at the distal end 28 thereof. The flexible fish tape member 32 can be fed through the cable duct 22 to push the steerable head casing 20 therethrough. The flexible fish tape member 32 has the tensile strength to push the steerable head casing 20 through the cable duct 22 such that a single operator can install the fiber optic cable 24.

Figure 2 shows the steerable head casing and flexible fish tape member after being pushed through the cable duct 22 from a first end 36 towards a second end 38. As depicted, the flexible fish tape member 32 attached to the steerable head casing 20 near the proximal end 26. In one example, the flexible fish tape member 32 can be attached to the steerable head casing 20 by a strap. In other examples, the flexible fish tape member 32 can be attached to the steerable head casing 20 through the eye aperture 30 using a lead line or the like. It will be appreciated that other techniques for mechanical attachments may be used.

An example method of installing the fiber optic cable 24 through the cable duct 22 includes the steps of: pushing the steerable head casing 20 through the cable duct 22 in one direction Di from the first end 36 of the cable duct 22 towards the second end 38 of the cable duct 22 using the flexible fish tape member 32; and removing the flexible fish tape member 32 from the cable duct 22 at the second end 38.

Referring to Figures 3-8, a second embodiment of an example arrangement for pushing cables, wires, cords, pipes, tapes, or similar flexible materials through ducts is shown. The arrangement includes a ferrule connector 40 including a boot 42. A stiffening member 44 is shown mounted over a portion of the boot 42 of the ferrule connector 40. The stiffening member 44 includes a fish tape member 46. The stiffening member 44 defines a slot 48 including a first portion 50 and a second portion 52. The first and second portions 50, 52 of the slot 48 define a shoulder 54 therein. The arrangement further includes a tape element 56 mounted over the fiber optic cable 24a and the fish tape member 46 for securing the fiber optic cable 24a to the fish tape member 46.

The first portion 50 of the slot 48 is configured to receive a portion of the boot 42 of the ferrule connector 40. Upon inserting the boot 42 into the first portion 50 of the slot 48, a rear end 58 of the boot 42 abuts the shoulder 54 within the slot 48. The second portion 52 is configured to receive the fiber optic cable 24a of the ferrule connector 40. The stiffening member 44 further includes a pivot point 60 that allows the stiffening member 44 to pivot while navigating through the cable duct 22.

An example method of installing the fiber optic cable 24a through the cable duct 22 includes the steps of: releasably attaching the stiffening member 44 to the ferrule connector 40 that is to be fed through the cable duct 22; pushing the ferrule connector 40 using the stiffening member 44 through the cable duct 22 in one direction Di from the first end 36 of the cable duct 22 towards the second end 38 of the cable duct 22, detaching the stiffening member 44 from the ferrule connector 40; and removing the stiffening member 44 from the cable duct 22 at the second end 38.

Referring to Figures 9-13, a third embodiment of an example arrangement for pushing cables, wires, cords, pipes, tapes, or similar flexible materials through ducts is shown. The arrangement includes an example ferrule assembly 62 that can be housed within an example stiffening tool 61 including a steerable head piece 64 for feeding a cable 24b through a restricted duct 22a (e.g., existing cables installed). The steerable head piece 64 has a round, nose-like shape to help navigate the fiber optic cable 24b through and around bends of the cable duct 22a. The restricted duct 22a can have a cross- dimension of about 5 mm, alternatives are possible.

The steerable head piece 64 defines a first coupling opening 66 and a second coupling opening 68. The steerable head piece 64 further defines an eyelet aperture 72. The ferrule assembly 62 defines an eyelet aperture 74. The ferrule assembly 62 can be mounted within the first coupling opening 66 of the steerable head piece 64 such that the eyelet aperture 74 of the ferrule assembly 62 and the eyelet aperture 72 of the steerable head piece 64 are aligned together. A secure element 76 (e.g., bolt, rod, etc.) can placed within both eyelet apertures 72, 74 to secure the ferrule assembly 62 to the steerable head piece 64. In other examples, the ferrule assembly 62 is attached to the steerable head piece 64 by a snap-fit connection within the first coupling opening 66, alternatives are possible. In some examples, the ferrule assembly 62 can be secured to the steerable head piece 64 by a friction fit.

The stiffening tool 61 also includes a flexible pushing member 70 that can be inserted within the second coupling opening 68. In one example, the flexible pushing member 70 is attached to the steerable head piece 64 by a snap-fit connection within the second coupling opening 68, alternatives are possible. In other examples, the flexible pushing member 70 can be secured to the steerable head piece 64 by a friction fit.

An example method of installing the fiber optic cable 24b through the cable duct 22a includes the steps of: mounting the ferrule assembly 62 into the first coupling opening 66 of the steerable head piece 64 and mounting the flexible pushing member 70 into the second coupling opening 68 of the steerable head piece; mechanically coupling the steerable head piece 64 together with the ferrule assembly 62; pushing the ferrule assembly 62 through the cable duct 22a from a first end 36a towards a second end 38a; detaching the stiffening tool 61 from the ferrule assembly 62 at the second end 38a of the cable duct 22a; and removing the stiffening tool 61 from the cable duct 22a.

Referring to Figures 14-16, a third embodiment of an example arrangement for pushing cables, wires, cords, pipes, tapes, or similar flexible materials through ducts is shown. The arrangement includes nose assembly 78 including a steerable nose piece 80 that is arranged and configured to enclose a ferrule assembly (not shown), a nose piece holder 82 that is tethered by a flexible cable 84 to a connecting element 86. The steerable nose piece 80 has a proximal end 90 and a distal end 92 with a main body 94 that extends between the proximal and distal ends 90, 92. The main body 94 of the steerable nose piece 80 is cylindrical, alternatives are possible. The proximal end 90 of the steerable nose piece 80 has a tapered, cone-like shape to help navigate a fiber optic cable 24c of the ferrule assembly through and around bends of a cable duct. The steerable nose piece 80 defines an eyelet aperture 96 which allows for attachment of a push member for pushing the optical fiber cable 24c through the cable duct.

The nose piece holder 82 defines a slot opening 88 that provides access for receiving a portion of the steerable nose piece 80. The slot opening 88 can behave as a spring that flexes inward and outward. The steerable nose piece 80 can be positioned within a passage 98 of the nose piece holder 82 and the slot opening 88 can flex outward to receive the nose piece holder 82 and flex back inward when the steerable nose piece 80 is inserted. In one example, steerable nose piece 80 is attached to the nose piece holder 82 by a snap-fit connection, alternatives are possible. In other examples, the steerable nose piece 80 can be secured to the nose piece holder 82 by a friction fit, although alternatives are possible.

The flexible cable 84 is arranged and configured to provide flexibility and helps to break up the stiffness of the nose assembly 78 between the nose piece holder 82 and the connecting element 86. By breaking up the stiffness more flexibility is provided to help the nose assembly 78 navigate through the cable duct and around bends. The connecting element 86 can be attached to a push member 100. In one example, the connecting element 86 may be a threaded member that is thread onto the push member 100, alternatives are possible.

The push member 100 may be a flexible tape. In certain examples, the push member 100 may have a round cross-dimension. In other examples, the push member 100 may have a flat cross-dimension.

An example method of installing the fiber optic cable 24c through the cable duct includes the steps of: mounting a portion of the steerable nose piece into the nose piece holder; coupling the connecting element to a push member; pushing the steerable nose piece through the duct from a first end towards a second end using the push member; detaching the steerable nose piece from the nose piece holder upon reaching the second end of the duct; detaching the connecting element from the push member; and removing the nose assembly from the duct. Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for feeding a ferrule connector through a single conduit having unrestricted access. The conduit includes an access opening. The system includes a stiffening member having a distal end and a proximal end. The stiffening member can defines a slot with a first portion and a second portion. The ferrule connector can be positioned within the first portion of the stiffening member and a cable of the ferrule connector is placed in the second portion of the stiffening member. The stiffening member can be configured to navigate the ferrule connector through the conduit. A longitudinal element (e.g., pushing member) can be coupled to the stiffening member at the distal end. The longitudinal element can be used to push the ferrule connector through the conduit. A tape element may be coupled to the cable of the ferrule connector and to the longitudinal element.

From the forgoing detailed description, it will be evident that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method for moving a steerable head casing through a conduit having a first end and a second end, the steerable head casing enclosing a ferrule assembly having a ferrule mounted to an optical fiber of a fiber optic cable, the method comprising: pushing the steerable head casing through the conduit in one direction from the first end of the conduit toward the second end of the conduit using a flexible fish tape member, the flexible fish tape member abutting a shoulder of the steerable head casing to advance the steerable head casing through the conduit; and removing the flexible fish tape member from the conduit at the second end; wherein the flexible fish tape member enables a single operator to install the cable.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the flexible fish tape member is attached to the ferrule connector by a strap.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the flexible fish tape member is attached to the ferrule connector by an eyelet of the steerable head casing.

4. A method for moving a ferrule connector through a conduit having a first end and a second end, the method comprising: releasably attaching a stiffening member to the ferrule connector to be fed through ducting, such that the ferrule connector is then conveyed with the stiffening member through the ducting, the stiffening member including a fish tape member; pushing the ferrule connector using the stiffening member through the conduit in one direction from the first end of the conduit towards the second end of the conduit, the conduit having unrestricted access for advancing the ferrule connector therethrough; detaching the stiffening member from the ferrule connector; and removing the stiffening member from the conduit at the second end; wherein the stiffening members enables a single operator to install the ferrule connector.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the step of attaching the stiffening member to the ferrule connector includes the step of placing a tape element over the fish tape member of the stiffening member and a cable of the ferrule connector.

6. A method according to claim 4, wherein the stiffening member defines a slot with a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being configured to receive a boot of the ferrule connector.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the slot includes a shoulder that abuts a rear end of the boot.

8. A method according to claim 4, wherein the second portion is configured to receive the cable of the ferrule connector.

9. A method according to claim 4, wherein the conduit has a cross-dimension of about 10 mm.

10. A method according to claim 5, wherein the cable is more flexible than the fish tape member.

11. A method according to claim 4, wherein the fish tape member has a flat cross-section.

12. A system for feeding a ferrule connector through a single conduit having unrestricted access, the conduit including an access opening, the system comprising: a stiffening member having a distal end and a proximal end, the stiffening member defining a slot with a first portion and a second portion, the ferrule connector is positioned within the first portion of the stiffening member and a cable of the ferrule connector is placed in the second portion of the stiffening member, and the stiffening member being configured to navigate the ferrule connector through the conduit; a longitudinal element coupled to the stiffening member at the distal end, the longitudinal element being used to push the ferrule connector through the conduit; and a tape element for coupling the cable of the ferrule connector to the longitudinal element.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the longitudinal element is a flexible pushing member.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the longitudinal element has a round cross- section.

15. The system according to claim 12, wherein the longitudinal element has a flat cross- section.

16. A method for moving a ferrule assembly through a duct having restricted access using a stiffening tool, the stiffening tool including a steerable head piece and a flexible pushing member, the steerable head piece defining a first coupling opening and a second coupling opening, wherein the steerable head piece enables an installer to navigate the ferrule assembly through the restricted duct; the method comprising: mounting the ferrule assembly into the first coupling opening of the steerable head piece and mounting the flexible pushing member into the second coupling opening of the steerable head piece; mechanically coupling the steerable head piece together with the ferrule assembly; pushing the ferrule assembly through the duct from a first end towards a second end, the steerable head piece guiding the ferrule assembly through the duct around existing cables; detaching the stiffening tool from the ferrule assembly at the second end of the duct; and removing the stiffening tool from the duct.

17. A method for moving a ferrule assembly through a duct having restricted access using a nose assembly, the nose assembly including a nose piece holder, a connecting element, and a flexible cable positioned between the connecting element and the nose piece holder, wherein the nose assembly enables an installer to navigate a steerable nose piece housing the ferrule assembly through the restricted duct; the method comprising: mounting a portion of the steerable nose piece into the nose piece holder; coupling the connecting element to a push member; pushing the steerable nose piece through the duct from a first end towards a second end using the push member, the steerable nose piece guiding a cable of the ferrule assembly through the duct around existing cables; detaching the steerable nose piece from the nose piece holder upon reaching the second end of the duct; detaching the connecting element from the push member; and removing the nose assembly from the duct.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the push member is a flexible tape.

19. A method according to claim 17, wherein the nose piece holder is attached to the steerable nose piece by a snap-fit connection.

20. A method according to claim 17, wherein the flexible cable provides for a separation of stiffness between the nose piece holder and the connecting element to allow for improved flexibility while navigating within restricted ducts.

21. A method according to claim 17, wherein the connecting element is threaded to the push member.