Distributed Optical Tap Terminals With Hardened Outdoor Connectivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to incorporate hardened technology into distributed tap architectures to enhance durability and ease of installation, particularly for outdoor environments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical tap terminal with an environmentally sealed enclosure and an optical tapping circuit, featuring hardened de-mateable fiber optic connection locations, gel-sealed cable ports, and the ability to be re-enterable and pole-mounted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional non-hardened tap architectures are used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but durability and reliability in outdoor environments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical tap terminal is divided into distinct functional components: an environmentally sealed enclosure for protection, hardened de-mateable fiber optic connection locations for robust connectivity, gel-sealed cable ports for environmental sealing, and mounting structures for secure installation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while contributing to overall durability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure is pre-configured with environmental sealing features including gel-sealed cable ports and sealed interiors that protect internal components from outdoor conditions before exposure. Hardened fiber optic connection locations are pre-installed to provide immediate protection against environmental damage and physical stress, eliminating the need for additional protective measures during deployment.
2Ease of operation
If traditional non-hardened tap architectures are used, then ease of installation is reduced, but manufacturing simplicity is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The optical tap terminal is manufactured with pre-installed hardened fiber optic connection locations, gel-sealed cable ports, and mounting structures already integrated into the enclosure. This preliminary configuration during manufacturing eliminates the need for complex field assembly and environmental sealing procedures during installation, significantly improving ease of installation while the modular design keeps manufacturing processes manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are combined into single integrated components: the enclosure simultaneously provides structural protection, environmental sealing, and mounting capability; fiber optic connection locations integrate mechanical hardening with optical connectivity; and cable ports combine sealing functionality with cable routing. This merging reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps required during installation.
3Reliability
If environmentally sealed enclosures are implemented, then protection against outdoor environmental conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Environmental sealing is applied locally at critical points where environmental exposure occurs: cable ports are sealed with gel to prevent moisture and contaminant ingress, the enclosure interior is sealed to protect internal components, and connection locations are hardened to resist environmental degradation. This localized approach provides comprehensive protection without requiring complex sealing systems throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure utilizes composite construction combining sealed housing materials with gel sealing compounds and hardened connection materials. This composite approach creates a multi-layered protection system that achieves high reliability against environmental conditions while using proven materials and established sealing technologies that do not significantly increase complexity.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If hardened de-mateable fiber optic connection locations are added, then connectivity durability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Hardened fiber optic connection locations are pre-installed and protected within the sealed enclosure before field deployment. This beforehand protection ensures that the fiber optic connections are shielded from environmental damage, physical stress, and contamination from the outset, extending their operational lifespan and durability without requiring complex protective mechanisms during operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides enhanced durability and ease of installation for distributed tap architectures, allowing them to withstand outdoor environmental conditions while maintaining network reliability and reducing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a gel sealant unit that mounts within the enclosure. The gel sealing unit includes a volume of gel defining the cable ports for sealing fiber optic cables
Implementation Method 2
The actuator includes at least one spring for applying spring load to the volume of gel to maintain the gel under spring pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Distributed optical tapping architectures include two or more optical tap terminals daisy-chained together. Each optical tap terminal includes an environmentally sealed enclosure; an optical tapping circuit positioned within an interior of the enclosure, the optical tapping circuit including an tap input, a tap pass-through output, and a tap drop output; and hardened interface locations (e.g., de-mateable fiber optic connection locations, cable-pass through glands, etc.) corresponding to the tap input, the tap pass-through output and the tap drop output.