Optical Fiber Breakout Box for Rack Shelf Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical fibers in communication networks are prone to breakage due to improper handling and management, leading to increased installation time and cost, as they are unwieldy and easily damaged during separation and routing in network racks.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of optical fiber breakout boxes and bridges that mount to network rack modules, providing a protected and flexible system for routing and distributing optical fibers, minimizing clutter and protecting fibers while allowing easy access for handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If optical fibers are separated from the bundle at each network module, then individual fibers can be routed to specific modules, but the fibers become unwieldy and easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A cable management device is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical fiber bundle and the network modules. This device provides a structured interface with multiple openings that guide individual fibers to specific modules while maintaining bundle integrity during handling and installation, preventing damage and unwieldiness
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management device segments the optical fiber bundle into individual fiber paths at controlled points. Each opening in the device corresponds to a specific network module, allowing systematic separation and routing of fibers without random handling that could cause damage
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large bundle of optical fibers is routed along the outside of the rack, then all fibers can reach multiple modules, but the routing becomes cluttered and handling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management device relocates the fiber separation function from the external rack space to the internal module interface. By positioning the device at the module level with multiple openings facing different directions, it distributes fibers in three-dimensional space rather than along a single external path, reducing clutter and improving organization
3Productivity
If optical fibers are handled and separated manually, then fibers can be routed to modules, but installation time and cost increase due to improper handling
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management device is pre-configured with multiple openings positioned to correspond with specific network modules before installation. This preliminary arrangement of fiber paths eliminates the need for manual routing decisions during installation, allowing installers to simply connect fibers to the pre-positioned openings, thereby reducing both time and errors
Data Source
AI summary
A breakout box, breakout box system, and method for management of optical fibers. The breakout box system provides a pass-through system for connecting optical fibers to network rack modules. The external routing of incoming and outgoing cables around the rack is kept neat and orderly, with one large cable serving a plurality of shelves. The breakout of the cable and distribution of the fibers to the individual modules occurs inside the breakout boxes and bridges, which provide protection for the fibers while still allowing easy access for fiber handling by means of the removable lids.