Extender Ports with Push-Button Securing for Fiber Optic Cable Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber network systems face challenges in efficiently and economically extending optical cable drops to rural subscribers, where homes are often spread out over large distances from the main cable path.
Innovation Solution
The development of in-line extender ports with push-button securing members that allow for quick and easy connection of two optical cable drops, effectively extending the length of an optical cable drop when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional optical cable systems are used in rural areas, then installation complexity increases, but cable length extension capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The optical cable system is segmented into modular components: extender ports that can be inserted into existing optical network terminals, and separate optical cable drops that connect to these ports. This segmentation allows the system to achieve extended cable lengths through modular assembly rather than installing single long cables, thereby reducing installation complexity while achieving the required cable length extension for rural deployments.
Solution Approach 2:
The extender port incorporates nested structural elements where sleeves are inserted into adapter assemblies, and push-button securing members are integrated within the port housing. This nested design allows compact packaging and simplified installation, as components fit together in a hierarchical manner that reduces the overall complexity of the extended cable system while maintaining the necessary length extension capability.
2Ease of operation
If extender ports with push-button securing members are used, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push-button securing member is merged with the adapter assembly as an integrated component rather than a separate element. This consolidation simplifies the overall device structure by combining the securing mechanism with the adapter body, reducing the number of discrete parts while maintaining the ease of operation provided by the push-button interface for connecting and disconnecting optical cable drops.
Solution Approach 2:
The extender port design incorporates universal features that allow the same adapter assembly to accommodate different optical cable drop configurations and connector types. The standardized push-button securing mechanism and adapter interface enable the device to perform multiple functions across various installation scenarios, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity through specialized components for each specific application.
Data Source
AI summary
Extender ports, adapter assemblies and optical assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, an adapter assembly for use in an extender port for coupling a first fiber optic connector and a second fiber optic connector includes an adapter having a first passageway for receiving the first fiber optic connector, a second passageway for receiving the second fiber optic connector, and an integrated sleeve holder positioned between the first passageway and the second passageway. The adapter further includes a sleeve holder insert disposed within the second passageway and adjacent to the integrated sleeve holder, and a sleeve disposed within the integrated sleeve holder and the sleeve holder insert.