Adhesive Duct and Applicator Tool for MDU Fiber Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-dwelling unit (MDU) applications, existing FTTX deployments face challenges such as gaining building access, limited distribution space, and complex cable routing and management, leading to increased costs and service disruptions due to the need for multiple reentries and skilled labor for splicing and fusion splice machines.
Innovation Solution
A drop access location system comprising a duct with a conduit for communications lines and a mounting portion, along with an access box that includes a slack storage section and a coupling device for connecting and managing fibers, allowing for efficient installation and management of communications lines directly on building hallways, reducing the need for extensive reentries and skilled labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional FTTX deployment methods are used with enclosures on each floor, then fiber distribution is achieved, but multiple reentries are required causing service disruptions and increased labor costs
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system is pre-installed in the building infrastructure during construction, creating a ready-made pathway for fiber cables. This preliminary action eliminates the need for later reentries and installations, allowing technicians to simply pull cables through the pre-positioned duct when service is requested, thereby maintaining service continuity while reducing installation time.
2Reliability
If fusion splicing is used for cable connections, then reliable fiber connections are achieved, but skilled labor and expensive equipment are required increasing capital and operating costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs mechanical connectors instead of fusion splicing, using disposable or reusable connector components that can be quickly assembled and disconnected without specialized equipment. This approach maintains adequate connection reliability for FTTH deployments while eliminating the need for expensive fusion splice machines and highly skilled technicians, significantly reducing both capital and operating costs.
3Ease of operation
If home run cabling is installed from each living unit to the building vault, then direct fiber access is achieved, but large pre-fabricated crown molding pathways are required creating congestion and disorganization
Solution Approach 1:
The duct system is divided into modular sections that can be independently installed and managed. Each duct segment serves a specific floor or area, organizing cable pathways into manageable units rather than one large congested route. This segmentation allows for easier cable access, better organization, and simplified maintenance while reducing overall pathway complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for installing communications in a hallway of a building comprises a duct having a conduit portion with a bore formed throughout and containing one or more communications lines and a mounting portion to mount the duct to a generally flat surface, the mounting portion including an adhesive disposed thereon, and a duct applicator tool to continuously receive the duct from a storage structure. The applicator tool includes a generally planar frame that supports at least one duct channel that receives the duct and provides a support surface that places a pressing force onto the duct as the duct is applied to the generally flat surface. The applicator tool includes one or more duct guides disposable on at least an end of the frame, where the one or more duct guides guide the duct from its storage structure to the at least one duct channel.