Optical Launch Fiber Assembly Carrying Case with Integrated Spool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional launch fiber kits are too large and heavy, making them difficult to transport and store, and the management of jacketed optical fiber and connectors is challenging, leading to entanglement, damage, and potential loss or misplacement of protective caps.
Innovation Solution
A portable carrying case made of lightweight thermoformed plastic with a flexible hinge and zippered closure, featuring a stationary storage spool to organize unjacketed and jacketed optical fibers, and a strap for secure attachment to equipment or a technician's belt, ensuring easy access and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional launch fiber kits use rigid enclosures with separate compartments for unjacketed and jacketed optical fibers, then the fibers are protected and organized, but the kit becomes too large and heavy to fit comfortably in OTDR transit cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage of unjacketed optical fiber and jacketed optical fiber into a single integrated spool structure, eliminating the need for separate compartments. The unjacketed fiber is stored in an inner chamber while jacketed fiber is stored in an outer peripheral channel, both on the same spool, reducing overall kit size and weight while maintaining proper fiber organization and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested storage structure where the unjacketed optical fiber is stored in an inner chamber that is nested within the spool, and the jacketed optical fiber is stored in an outer peripheral channel that surrounds the inner chamber. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and reduces the overall footprint of the fiber storage system.
2Reliability
If conventional launch fiber kits store end lengths of jacketed optical fiber wrapped together in a rigid enclosure, then the fibers are protected, but they become difficult to manage and easily entangled during repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical fiber storage system dynamic by allowing the spool to rotate. The spool includes a rotation axis that enables it to rotate about itself, allowing technicians to easily wind and unwind jacketed optical fiber from the outer peripheral channel without entanglement. This dynamic mechanism replaces the static wrapped storage of conventional kits.
3Reliability
If conventional launch fiber kits use protective lids and separate storage for connectors, then components are protected, but the protective caps are easily misplaced and connectors are still subject to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage of optical connectors and their protective caps into a single integrated structure. The spool includes an inner chamber that stores unjacketed optical fiber and provides integrated protective coverage, eliminating the need for separate protective caps that can be misplaced. The structure ensures connectors remain protected while simplifying management.
4Reliability
If conventional launch fiber kits are transported separately from OTDR transit cases, then the fibers are not damaged during transport, but the kit is prone to loss or misplacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the launch fiber kit with a compact form factor that allows it to be integrated with OTDR transit cases. By reducing the overall size through the integrated spool design and using lightweight materials for the enclosure, the kit can now be comfortably transported together with OTDR equipment in the same transit case, eliminating the risk of loss or misplacement while maintaining fiber integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure for an optical launch fiber assembly is disclosed which includes a base portion defining an inner cavity and having an interior surface, an outer peripheral wall and an exterior surface, a stationary storage spool fixedly secured to the inner surface of the base portion within the inner cavity, the storage spool having an annular wall forming an inner peripheral channel for supporting a central length of unjacketed optical launch fiber and an outer peripheral channel for supporting two end lengths of jacketed optical launch fiber, and a cover portion having an outer peripheral wall hingedly connected to the outer peripheral wall of the base portion.