Compact Optical Fiber Adapter Module Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications equipment occupies large amounts of space due to the limitations in the configuration and size of adapter modules, housing assemblies, and frame assemblies, which are based on the properties of fiber optic cables and their bending tolerance, leading to inefficient space management in central offices.
Innovation Solution
The development of compact adapter modules, housing assemblies, and frame assemblies that utilize bend-insensitive optical fibers, allowing for tighter bends and higher density of components, with adapter modules featuring a cassette-like design and housing assemblies with serpentine fiber configurations, and frame assemblies that route jumper fibers through conduits to maintain a smaller footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional fiber optic cable configurations are used, then fiber bending tolerance is maintained, but equipment occupies large amounts of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the optical fiber by using bend-insensitive fiber designs that can withstand tighter bending radii. This allows the fiber to be routed through compact pathways within the adapter module, enabling smaller equipment footprints while maintaining signal integrity and fiber reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces serpentine routing configurations that utilize three-dimensional space within the adapter module. By routing fibers in serpentine patterns through multiple layers and dimensions rather than straight linear paths, the design achieves compact integration while maintaining adequate bend radii for fiber reliability.
2Volume of moving object
If adapter modules are made compact, then space efficiency is improved, but fiber routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter module is divided into distinct functional sections with dedicated fiber routing pathways. Each section handles specific fiber connections and routing tasks, which simplifies the overall complexity by breaking down the fiber management into manageable, standardized segments rather than requiring complex custom routing solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal adapter modules that can accommodate multiple fiber types and routing configurations through standardized serpentine pathways. These multi-functional modules handle various fiber connection scenarios (different bend radii, connection types, and routing patterns) using the same basic structural design, reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
3Quantity of substance
If housing assemblies support high component density, then space utilization is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into integrated housing assemblies that support multiple adapter modules and fiber routing functions within a single standardized structure. By merging support functions, routing channels, and mounting mechanisms into unified assemblies, the design achieves high component density without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing assemblies utilize standardized dimensional parameters and modular configurations that allow for scalable deployment. By establishing fixed parameters for module sizes, spacing, and routing pathways, the system achieves high density through systematic repetition of standardized units rather than through complex custom-designed high-density configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Adapter modules, housing assemblies that house the adapter modules, and frame assemblies that contain the housing assemblies are disclosed that are all relatively compact and support a relatively high density of components. The modules, assemblies and frames have configurations that take advantage of bend-insensitive cable fibers and jumper fibers. The adapter module is a cassette-like case that allows for a length of cable fiber to be wound tightly therein in a substantially circular loop configuration when closed. The housing assembly houses a plurality of adapter modules and is configured so that the cable and jumper fibers have relatively tight bends within the housing interior. The frame assembly is configured to support a plurality of stacked housing assemblies and to route the jumper fibers through routing conduits and/or routing troughs so that the jumper fibers are enclosed within the frame assembly rather than dangling outside of the frame. The cable fibers enter the back of the housing assemblies via a fiber optic cable arranged at the back of the frame assembly.