Fan-out and Parking Module for Fiber Cable Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telecommunications systems face challenges in efficiently managing cables and providing scalable, cost-effective high-bandwidth communication solutions, particularly in fiber-to-the-cell-tower and other FTTX applications, where cable management and connectivity are complex and require innovative solutions.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a fan-out and parking module that securely mounts and manages fiber optic cables, utilizing ruggedized multi-fiber connectors and pigtail cables, allowing for easy connection and disconnection of subscribers while protecting the fibers from dust and environmental factors, and accommodating different rack sizes with universal brackets for flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional cable management systems are used in telecommunications networks, then installation and maintenance become complex and time-consuming, but the system lacks scalability and adaptability for high-bandwidth applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation and maintenance efficiencyVSAvoidcable management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management system is divided into modular components including cable trays, management modules, and connection modules that can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation allows for easier installation and maintenance while providing scalability for high-bandwidth applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable management system incorporates universal brackets and standardized connection interfaces that can accommodate different cable types and configurations. This multi-functionality enables the same hardware to serve multiple purposes across different network configurations, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If fiber optic cables are exposed without protection, then connection and disconnection is simple, but the fibers are vulnerable to dust and environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector accessibilityVSAvoidfiber exposure to dust and environment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design incorporates nested protective structures where dust caps and protective sleeves can be stored within the connector housing itself. This nesting provides protection when not in use while maintaining easy accessibility during operation, as the protective elements are integrated into the connector rather than requiring separate storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed cable management system is used, then installation is straightforward, but the system cannot accommodate different rack sizes or future expansions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidrack size compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management system employs dynamic, adjustable components such as reconfigurable cable trays and movable management modules that can be adapted to different rack sizes and configurations. This dynamic design maintains installation simplicity while providing the versatility needed for future expansions and different rack standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Universal mounting brackets and standardized interface designs enable the same cable management components to be installed across different rack sizes and configurations. This universality allows straightforward installation while accommodating various deployment scenarios and future scalability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8873922B2Fan-out and parking module
Publication Date: 2014.10.28 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US8873922B2 patent drawing
  • US8873922B2 patent drawing
  • US8873922B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications apparatus that includes a fan-out module main body adapted for connection to a rack. The telecommunications apparatus also includes a fan-out block attached to the fan-out module main body. The telecommunications apparatus also includes a multi-fiber cable segment. The multi-fiber cable segment includes first and second strength members. The first and second strength members are anchored to the fan-out block. The telecommunications apparatus further includes a plurality of pigtail cable segments each including a jacket containing one of the optical fibers and a plurality of flexible strength members positioned inside the jacket. The flexible strength members of the pigtail cable segments are anchored to the fan-out block, the optical fibers being fanned out from the multi-fiber cable segment to the pigtail cable segments within the fan-out block. The telecommunications apparatus also includes a plurality of single fiber connectors mounted to free ends of the pigtail cable segments.