Extendable Fiber-Optic Splice Holder for Scalable Capacity Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber-optic splice holders have a finite capacity, necessitating costly and time-consuming re-traying processes when additional space is needed, which can lead to damage and service disruptions.

Innovation Solution

A fiber-optic splice holder with a first portion that can be actuatable or slidable to connect with a second portion, providing additional splice holding locations through interfitting segments and a coupling mechanism, allowing for scalable expansion without re-traying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a new, larger holder or tray is provided as a replacement to address space needs, then the splice capacity is increased, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming with risks of damage and service disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesplice capacityVSAvoidre-traying time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into a first holder portion and a second holder portion that can be independently assembled. The second holder portion can be added to the first holder portion to increase splice capacity without replacing the entire holder, thereby avoiding time-consuming re-traying operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is designed with actuatable components that allow the second holder portion to be moved between a stowed position (within the first holder portion) and an extended position (providing additional splice locations). This dynamic configuration enables flexible capacity adjustment without full replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If a new, larger holder or tray is provided as a replacement to address space needs, then the splice capacity is increased, but costs increase due to the re-traying process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesplice capacityVSAvoidre-traying cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second holder portion is configured to be received within the first holder portion when in the stowed position, similar to nested dolls. This allows the additional capacity to be stored compactly when not needed and deployed when required, eliminating the need for complete holder replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Quantity of substance

If a new, larger holder or tray is provided as a replacement to address space needs, then the splice capacity is increased, but risks of damage and disconnection increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesplice capacityVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism includes features that guide and constrain the relative movement between holder portions, providing protection against misalignment or excessive force during the extension process. This pre-built protection mechanism prevents damage and disconnection risks during capacity expansion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Quantity of substance

If the holder capacity is increased by providing a larger holder, then the splice capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to replacement processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesplice capacityVSAvoidholder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second holder portions are coupled together to form an integrated holder structure that provides increased splice capacity. The coupling mechanism combines the portions in a way that maintains structural integrity while enabling future expansion by adding additional portions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260036777A1Extendable splice tray

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 PREFORMED LINE PRODUCTS COMPANY

AI summary

A fiber-optic splice holder. The holder includes a first holder portion that has a first plurality of fiber-optic splice holding locations. The holder includes a second holder portion actuatable with respect to the first holder portion to provide a second plurality of fiber-optic splice holding locations. The holder includes a coupling for connecting the second holder portion to the first holder portion.