Optical Fiber Cassette With Partitioned Volumes For Splicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fiber optic telecommunications, the limited space within modular patch panels in datacenters hinders efficient fiber management, cable routing, and splicing, making it difficult and time-consuming to perform optical connections, and increases the risk of fiber damage during maintenance or upgrades.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber cassette with a modular design featuring orthogonal dimensions, separate internal and external fiber storage areas, front and rear cable entry/exit points, and a splice holder, allowing for efficient fiber organization and protection, and facilitating easy access for splicing and maintenance without the need for mechanical fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional splice cassette design is used, then the structure is simple, but the available space for fiber management and cable routing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette is divided into multiple compartments by partition walls, creating distinct volumes for external fiber storage, internal fiber storage, and splicing operations. This segmentation allows each compartment to serve a specific function, maximizing space utilization without requiring a completely complex redesign of the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette design utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by creating vertical and horizontal partitions that divide the internal volume into multiple functional zones. This dimensional organization allows fiber management activities to occur in dedicated spaces without interference, effectively increasing the usable volume for fiber handling.
2Ease of operation
If access to the rear of the datarack is required for splicing, then cable routing is simplified, but maintenance time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The splicing function is extracted as a distinct capability within the cassette, with dedicated splicing compartments and holders that can be accessed and operated independently. This allows splicing operations to be performed efficiently from the front of the datarack without requiring rear access, significantly reducing maintenance time and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette design enables front-access splicing operations, allowing technicians to perform splicing, testing, and maintenance activities directly from the front of the datarack without needing to access the rear. This self-service capability eliminates the time loss associated with rear access and simplifies the overall operational workflow.
3Reliability
If fiber storage area is shared between internal and external cables, then space is utilized, but the risk of fiber damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber storage volume is segmented into separate compartments for internal and external fibers using partition walls. This physical separation protects fibers from damage by preventing interference between internal pigtails and external cable fibers, while still providing adequate storage capacity for both types of fibers within the cassette.
4Ease of operation
If limited space is available in the patch panel, then the datarack density is high, but fiber management and splicing become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette design maximizes the use of vertical and horizontal space within the patch panel footprint by creating multi-level compartments and utilizing the full depth of the cassette. This dimensional optimization allows comprehensive fiber management capabilities to be achieved within a compact footprint, maintaining high datarack density while ensuring ease of fiber management operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical fiber cassette (100) is provided including a main body having a pair of sidewalls (108) and an end wall (106). An adapter wall (130) extends between the sidewalls (108). A partition wall extends between the sidewalls (108), the end wall (106), and the adapter wall (130). The partition wall is positioned along a height (H) between a top lip and a bottom lip of the sidewalls (108). A first volume is formed at a first side of the partition wall and a second volume is formed at a second side of the partition wall. A fiber storage area (140) is positioned at the first volume and the second volume. A splice holder (150) is positioned at the first volume or the second volume. A cable opening is configured to receive an external cable (191) into the first volume. A passthrough opening is formed to allow for fiber egress from the first volume to the second volume.