Jiangsu Hengtong Optic-Electric Co., Ltd. has publicly disclosed a patent related to a self-repairing optical cable.

Patent Overview:

The optical cable is an essential component of communication systems, and its reliability plays a crucial role in the stability of the entire communication system. Over prolonged use, the optical cable may suffer damage due to various reasons such as friction, compression, bending, or external force, leading to a decline in the performance or interruption of the optical fibers within the cable, significantly affecting the normal operation of the communication system.

Traditional methods of repairing optical cables typically require manual intervention, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, inefficient, costly, and the quality of repairs cannot be guaranteed. Additionally, minor damages are often challenging to detect promptly, and repairs are usually undertaken only when the transmission performance is affected. At that point, surface repairs are often ineffective, necessitating the replacement of the entire cable or the addition of fiber splice points, substantially increasing maintenance costs. This is particularly evident in challenging environments such as remote mountainous areas, deserts, or marine locations.

The technical problem addressed by this invention is to overcome the limitations of existing technologies in terms of poor repair capabilities. The disclosed self-repairing optical cable includes a dual-layer co-extruded sheath enveloping the optical fiber bundle. The dual-layer co-extruded sheath consists of an inner layer and an outer layer made of a self-repairing polyurethane elastic material based on reversible hydrogen bonds or reversible covalent bonds. When the optical cable experiences long-term stress damage or external harm, the self-repairing polyurethane elastic material in the sheath's inner layer automatically repairs the damaged area. The sealing and mechanical properties of the sheath ensure the performance of the optical fibers, thereby extending the lifespan of the optical cable, reducing maintenance work, and enhancing communication stability and long-term reliability. Furthermore, a reinforcement element is placed between the sheath's inner layer and the optical fiber bundle, isolating the fiber bundle from the dual-layer co-extruded sheath to prevent adhesion and ensure proper functionality.

Through the implementation of examples, it is evident that this application has characteristics such as rapid self-repair, a wide self-repair range, residue-free self-repair, and no impact on optical signals. When the self-repair buffer layer, self-repair loose casing, inner sheath, and other components are damaged, the reversible dynamic bonds within the self-repairing material will rebind under external stimuli, achieving self-repair at the damaged site. This invention effectively improves the lifespan and communication quality of optical cables, reduces the costs of maintenance and replacement, and possesses broad practical value.