Optical Fiber Cassette Partial Loop Routing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic storage and splicing cassettes face challenges in accommodating the radius of curvature of optical fibers, leading to increased cassette size, which is undesirable due to installation constraints and cost implications, and compromises fiber density.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic storage and splicing cassette design that incorporates a partial loop in the region dedicated to unused optical fibers, utilizing the existing storage area adapted to the fiber's radius of curvature, without increasing the cassette size, and a method for arranging cables to optimize routing and reduce overlengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cassette size is increased to accommodate the bending radius of optical fibers, then the fiber routing is improved, but the installation constraints and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The storage region for unused optical fibers is made to serve dual purposes: it stores the fibers and simultaneously provides the necessary space for the fiber to form the required bending radius loop. This multi-functional use of the same space eliminates the need for additional space dedicated solely to routing, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and cassette size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the storage function and the routing function into a single integrated region. The storage area is designed to inherently accommodate the loop configuration needed for proper fiber bending, combining what were previously separate spatial requirements into one unified space, thus avoiding cassette size increase while maintaining proper fiber routing.
2Ease of operation
If the cassette size is increased to accommodate the bending radius of optical fibers, then the fiber routing is improved, but the fiber density is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By making the storage region serve dual purposes (storage and routing), the patent maximizes the utilization of available space. The same volume that would otherwise be dedicated solely to storage now also performs the routing function, preventing any loss in fiber density while ensuring proper fiber bending is achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The merging of storage and routing functions into a single region ensures that no additional space is consumed. The storage area is designed to inherently accommodate the loop configuration, so the quantity of fibers that can be stored (fiber density) remains high while still providing adequate space for proper fiber routing.
3Ease of operation
If the cassette size is increased to accommodate the bending radius of optical fibers, then the fiber routing is improved, but the cost is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The storage region is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for additional components or enlarged housing that would increase manufacturing cost. By making the existing storage space sufficient for both storage and routing purposes, the patent avoids extra material and production expenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the storage and routing functions into a single integrated design, avoiding the need for separate routing chambers or additional structural elements. This merging approach simplifies manufacturing and reduces cost while still providing adequate space for proper fiber bending and routing.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A fiber optic cable storage and splicing cassette (10) comprising a housing (100), the housing having a region (R) dedicated to storing unused optical fibers and at least one optical cable segment (102) comprising one or more optical fibers. The cable segment (102) forms at least one loop (B), at least partial, within the region (R) of the housing (100) dedicated to storing unused optical fibers.