WO2002037152A1 - Connexion ombilicale de fibres optiques - Google Patents

Connexion ombilicale de fibres optiques Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002037152A1
WO2002037152A1 PCT/US2001/046335 US0146335W WO0237152A1 WO 2002037152 A1 WO2002037152 A1 WO 2002037152A1 US 0146335 W US0146335 W US 0146335W WO 0237152 A1 WO0237152 A1 WO 0237152A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
connector
umbilical
fiber optics
fiber optic
cable
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/046335
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2002037152A8 (fr
Inventor
Daniel Saucedo
Original Assignee
Daniel Saucedo
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Daniel Saucedo filed Critical Daniel Saucedo
Priority to AU2002225891A priority Critical patent/AU2002225891A1/en
Publication of WO2002037152A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002037152A1/fr
Publication of WO2002037152A8 publication Critical patent/WO2002037152A8/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
    • G02B6/4401—Optical cables
    • G02B6/4415—Cables for special applications
    • G02B6/4427—Pressure resistant cables, e.g. undersea cables
    • G02B6/4428—Penetrator systems in pressure-resistant devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
    • G02B6/3816—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres for use under water, high pressure connectors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/3869—Mounting ferrules to connector body, i.e. plugs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
    • G02B6/3818—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres of a low-reflection-loss type
    • G02B6/3821—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres of a low-reflection-loss type with axial spring biasing or loading means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
    • G02B6/3823—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres containing surplus lengths, internal fibre loops
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/381—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres
    • G02B6/3825—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs of the ferrule type, e.g. fibre ends embedded in ferrules, connecting a pair of fibres with an intermediate part, e.g. adapter, receptacle, linking two plugs
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/389—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs characterised by the method of fastening connecting plugs and sockets, e.g. screw- or nut-lock, snap-in, bayonet type
    • G02B6/3891—Bayonet type
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/36—Mechanical coupling means
    • G02B6/38—Mechanical coupling means having fibre to fibre mating means
    • G02B6/3807—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs
    • G02B6/389—Dismountable connectors, i.e. comprising plugs characterised by the method of fastening connecting plugs and sockets, e.g. screw- or nut-lock, snap-in, bayonet type
    • G02B6/3894—Screw-lock type

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to connecting and disconnecting fiber optic cable, and more particularly relates to an apparatus and methodology for connecting and disconnecting fiber optic cable in deep sea underwater applications.
  • the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and methodology for quickly connecting and disconnecting fiber optic cable in deep sea underwater applications.
  • the present invention enables high-pressure protection to be delivered to delicate fiber optic interfaces between sensors and umbilical fiberoptic communications cables disposed at substantial underwater depths.
  • the present invention synergistically combines hydraulics technology and fiber optics technology to achieve optimal connectivity between fiber optics cables in deep sea applications.
  • the present invention provides a standard quick coupler connection system for securing, protecting and housing the optical interconnection between fiber optic sensors and fiber optic umbilical cable.
  • the present invention teaches a high-pressure quick- connect coupling methodology heretofore unknown in the art.
  • the pressure rating of the fiber optic coupling contemplated by the present invention exceeds 4,000 psi with an operational depth on the order of at least 8,000 feet beneath the ocean. It is a feature and advantage of the present invention that operators may expeditiously couple and de-couple fiber optics cables without using any hand tools. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for interconnecting fiber optics cable under high-pressure, deep-ocean environments.
  • FIG. 1 A depicts a front cross-sectional view of a female connector member of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1B depicts a front cross-sectional view of a male connector member of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 A depicts a frontal cross-sectional view of a portion of the female connector member depicted in FIG. 1 A.
  • FIG. 2B depicts a frontal cross-sectional view of a portion of the male connector member depicted in FIG. 1 B.
  • FIG. 2C depicts a frontal cross-sectional view of an insertion member housed by the male connector member depicted in FIGS. 1 B and 2B.
  • FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the threaded portion of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1B and 2B.
  • FIG. 4 depicts top and side views of the snap-on portion of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 B and 2B.
  • FIG. 5 depicts a front view of an insertion embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 depicts a front view of another insertion embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 depicts a front view of another insertion embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 depicts top and side views of an alternate embodiment of the snap-on portion of the present invention depicted in FIG. 4.
  • FIG. 9 depicts a frontal perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10A depicts a front view of the female connector of the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 10B depicts a front view of the male connector of the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 10C depicts a front view of the nipple member of the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 10D depicts end views of the spacer and ferrule members comprising the insert member of the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 10E depicts a front view of the barrel connector of the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 10F depicts a right side view of the barrel connector depicted in FIG. 10E.
  • FIG. 10G depicts a left side view of the barrel connector depicted in FIG. 10E.
  • FIG. 11 depicts a frontal exploded view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description
  • the present invention adapts a standard hydraulic high-pressure connector, identified by ISO 9000, to provide an improved connector for fiber optics cable in deep sea applications and the like.
  • FIGS. 1 - 11 collectively, there is depicted fiber optics connector apparatus 2 corresponding to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 there is seen a frontal perspective view of fiber optics umbilical connector 2.
  • Separate lengths of underwater fiber optic cable 7 are seen interconnected with male connector member 10 and female connector member 40, respectively.
  • these two independent lengths of cable will be interconnected via the novel joinder of corresponding male connector member 10 and female connector member 40.
  • pipe nipple members 25 A and B in conjunction with reducers 30 A and B, respectively, function as a transition housing means to transition simplex fiber optic cord 5 (see FIGS. 1A, B; FIGS. 2A, B; and FIG. 11) to umbilical underwater fiber optic cable 7 disposed at the distal end of each of mated male connector member 10 and female connector member 40.
  • male connector member 10 in relation to female connector member 40, and insertion member 60.
  • male connector member 10 is configured to enclose insertion member 60 which comprises ferrule mounting member 62 and spacer member 66.
  • Insert member 60 has fiber optic ferrule 15 mounted thereon and allows the ferrule to float and self-align with mating barrel connector member 80 disposed in female connector member 40. It will be appreciated that this self- alignment connector design has an important advantage over underwater optical connectors known in the art: insertion member 60 inherently allows a .05 db insertion loss repeatability associated with the instant connector with more than 300 mating cycles.
  • FIG. 11 is a frontal exploded view that depicts the structural relationship between the components comprising the apparatus taught by the present invention.
  • numeral "A” depicts % inch stainless steel pipe nipple members 20 A,B with adjacent reducer members 30 A,B and % inch nipple members 25 A,B that are used in combination to transition fiber optic cable from simplex fiber optic cord 5 to underwater fiber optic cable 7 disposed at the distal end of male and female connectors 10 and 40, respectively.
  • transition housings 20 A,B are used to protect the fiber optics cable from high pressures of the ocean depths and to house the spliced fiber optic cable. It should be evident to those familiar with the art that fiber optics cable splicing may be either constitute a fusion splice, a mechanical splice, or no splice at all.
  • the housing of the present invention provides an advantage over connectors known in the art because it can be used with a wide variety of off-the-shelf fiber optic cable diameters and types of cables by merely using matching diameter nipple adapters and reducers required for a particular cable and its sheath.
  • this elongated transition housing of the present invention can be reused if there is an optics fiber break therewithin.
  • the nipple transition allows for spare simplex cable to be re- connectorized or re-spliced.
  • numeral "B” depicts male insertion member preferably comprising a one-piece insert that combines a ferrule mounting with a spacer.
  • this insert member allows the fiber optic ferrule to be mounted on the insert member and allows the ferrule to float and self-align with its mating component contained within barrel connector 80 ("E" in FIG. 11 enclosed within female connector 40.
  • barrel connector 80 "E" in FIG. 11 enclosed within female connector 40.
  • this connector design has an important advantage over underwater optical connectors known in the art: insertion member 60 inherently allows a .05 db insertion loss repeatability associated with the instant connector with more than 300 mating cycles. Accordingly, neither tuning nor tweaking is a prerequisite for effecting fiber optics cable interconnection.
  • the male connector member of the preferred embodiment comprises a % inch male series 5600 stainless steel hydraulic connector being utilized for protecting the fiber optics connector assembly ferrule and barrel (numerals "B” and “E") against high pressures inherent in the ocean depths. It is seen that male connector member 10 houses insert member 60 and is threadedly joined with threads 65 of stainless steel nipple member 25 A (numeral A). It is a feature and advantage of the present invention that 34 different clocking rotations are possible with this connector, corresponding to 34 unique mates, i.e., male connector - female connector pairs.
  • female connector member 40 of preferred embodiment 2 comprises a % inch female series 5600 stainless steel hydraulic connector being utilized for protecting the fiber optics connector assembly ferrule and barrel (numerals “B” and “E") against high pressures inherent in the ocean depths.
  • this female connector 40 houses fiber optic barrel connector member 80 shown in portion of FIG. 11 depicted by numeral “E” and is preferably threaded with the stainless steel nipple (represented by “A”). 34 different clocking rotations are possible with this connector member corresponding to 34 unique mates, i.e., male connector member - female connector member pairs.
  • This clocking is enabled by the structure of the present invention wherein forward and backward rotation of the female connector relative to the male connector allows twisting to create unique mating pairs. For instance, when the male and female connector mate at 0:0, then there is no rotation. As another example, when there is 10 degrees of rotation the female connector member, then the mated pair is 10 degrees off center. Thus, the different rotations of the female connector produces 34 clockings.
  • connection methodology taught by the present invention affords an advantage over prior art optical connectors: no special tools are necessary during coupling or uncoupling of the female connector member with its male connector member mate. Indeed, to effect disconnection, collar 45 is simply pulled back and the joinder of the mated connector members is pulled apart. It has been found to be advantageous under high-pressure deep sea conditions to include in the female connector housing of the present invention Buna N seals. Such sealing means secure the female member's connection against the corresponding male connector member (depicted by numeral "C"). It should be understood by those skilled in the art that this seal means may be afforded by such suitable materials as Viton or the like, obviously depending upon the requirements of the application. It will be seen that, when connecting a pair of male connector and female connector members, the female connector collar is first pulled back and then both connectors are pushed together, and, then, interlocked by collar member 45.
  • the connector of the present invention allows for a snap button member to snap into place to the connector.
  • the snap button member mounts the fiber optic barrel connector for single mode or multimode fiber optics cable.
  • the fiber optic barrel connector interfaces with the ferrule on the insertion member and the fiber optic connector pigtail of the female side of the fiber optic cable end.
  • this connection completes the light path between the male connector member and the female connector member and umbilical cable disposed at either end of the connector nipple members.
  • alternative structures such as screwably- attached snap-ons may be used.
  • FIG. 11 there is depicted the structure in which the female connector member allows for a snap button member to snap in place to the connector hydraulic orifice.
  • the snap button member mounts the fiber optic barrel connector for single mode or multimode fiber optics cable.
  • the fiber optic barrel connector interfaces with the ferrule on the insertion member and the fiber optic connector pigtail of the female side of the fiber optic cable end. This connection, of course, completes the light path between the male connector member and female connector members of the present invention and umbilical cable at either end of the connector's nipple members.
  • Embodiments of the present invention have been tested to ocean conditions exceeding 4700 psi with no intrusion of water into the internal components thereof.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Coupling Of Light Guides (AREA)
  • Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention se rapporte à un appareil et à un procédé permettant de connecter et de déconnecter rapidement un câble à fibres optiques dans des applications sous-marines en haute mer et permettant d'offrir une protection contre les hautes pressions à des interfaces à fibres optiques fragiles disposées entre des capteurs et des câbles de communication à fibres optiques ombilicaux disposés à des profondeurs sous-marines importantes. La présente invention combine de façon synergique la technologie de l'hydraulique et la technologie des fibres optiques de matière à optimiser la conductivité entres des câbles à fibres optiques dans des applications de haute mer. L'invention se rapporte également à un système de connexion à coupleur rapide normalisé permettant d'arrimer, de protéger et d'abriter une interconnexion optique entre des capteurs à fibre optiques et un câble ombilical à fibres optiques. L'utilisation d'un dispositif de couplage hydraulique interchangeable dans des environnements rigoureux d'applications à fibres optiques en haute mer permet la mise en oeuvre d'un procédé de couplage à connexion rapide sous haute pression sans recours à aucun outil à main.
PCT/US2001/046335 2000-10-31 2001-10-31 Connexion ombilicale de fibres optiques WO2002037152A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002225891A AU2002225891A1 (en) 2000-10-31 2001-10-31 Fiber optics umbilical connection

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US70256900A 2000-10-31 2000-10-31
US09/702,569 2000-10-31

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002037152A1 true WO2002037152A1 (fr) 2002-05-10
WO2002037152A8 WO2002037152A8 (fr) 2002-07-11

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PCT/US2001/046335 WO2002037152A1 (fr) 2000-10-31 2001-10-31 Connexion ombilicale de fibres optiques

Country Status (2)

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AU (1) AU2002225891A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002037152A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2507882A1 (fr) * 2009-11-30 2012-10-10 Technip France Ombilical d'alimentation
US10422969B2 (en) 2016-03-17 2019-09-24 Ormond Energy Innovations Inc. Protective fiber optic termination, system, and method of using same
US11404815B2 (en) 2017-10-30 2022-08-02 Ormond Energy Innovations Inc. Sealed connector with triggered mating and method of using same

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5013124A (en) * 1989-01-05 1991-05-07 Codenoll Technology Corporation Method and apparatus for connecting optical fibers

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5013124A (en) * 1989-01-05 1991-05-07 Codenoll Technology Corporation Method and apparatus for connecting optical fibers

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2507882A1 (fr) * 2009-11-30 2012-10-10 Technip France Ombilical d'alimentation
EP2507882A4 (fr) * 2009-11-30 2014-11-26 Technip France Ombilical d'alimentation
US10422969B2 (en) 2016-03-17 2019-09-24 Ormond Energy Innovations Inc. Protective fiber optic termination, system, and method of using same
US10684430B2 (en) 2016-03-17 2020-06-16 Ormond Energy Innovations Inc. Protective fiber optic termination, system, and method of using same
US11404815B2 (en) 2017-10-30 2022-08-02 Ormond Energy Innovations Inc. Sealed connector with triggered mating and method of using same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2002225891A1 (en) 2002-05-15
WO2002037152A8 (fr) 2002-07-11

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