Optical Fiber Cassette Splitter Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber optic termination point cassettes are inefficiently designed, requiring additional space for the splitter compartment, which increases the cassette's length and does not optimize the use of available space within the cassette dimensions.

Innovation Solution

The splitter is integrated within the space between the two inner guide bodies, allowing it to be positioned obliquely such that it touches the inner walls of these bodies, ensuring the permissible bending radius is maintained without the need for additional space at the top of the cassette.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate cassette section is provided for fastening the splitter outside the outer guide elements, then the splitter can be accommodated, but the cassette length increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplitter accommodationVSAvoidcassette length
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The splitter is merged with the existing guide element structure by positioning it within the space between the two guide bodies. This integration eliminates the need for a separate top compartment, thereby accommodating the splitter without increasing the overall cassette length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of placing the splitter in a separate top compartment (vertical dimension), the invention repositions it within the lateral space between the guide bodies. This dimensional rearrangement utilizes previously underutilized space, avoiding length increase while maintaining splitter functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the splitter is positioned at the greatest possible angle to the longitudinal central axis, then space utilization is optimized, but the distance between guide bodies must be precisely controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoiddistance control between guide bodies
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guide bodies are designed with specific local characteristics - their inner walls are positioned to create the optimal angular space for the splitter. This localized geometric configuration enables both maximum space utilization and adequate bending radius without requiring excessive precision in the overall distance between guide bodies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes the angular parameter of splitter positioning relative to the longitudinal central axis. By changing this angular parameter to the greatest possible angle, the design maximizes space utilization while the guide body dimensions are concurrently optimized to maintain permissible bending radius.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If the glass fibers are guided several times along the guide elements, then the excess length is accommodated, but the permissible minimum radius must not be undercut

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber length accommodationVSAvoidsignal attenuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide elements are designed with curved paths that maintain a radius not less than the permissible minimum. These curved guideways allow the glass fibers to be guided several times along the storage path, accommodating excess fiber length while preventing unacceptable signal attenuation through excessive bending.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3273280B1Optical fibre termination point
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 LIC LANGMATZ
  • EP3273280B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The fiber optic termination point with a cassette having an inlet for an incoming fiber optic cable and an outlet for multiple pigtails, wherein the cassette has guide elements for guiding fiber optic cables and pigtails along paths whose radius does not fall below the permissible minimum radius, and a splice tray and a splitter, and wherein the guide elements have two inner guide bodies which are arranged opposite each other with a gap between them, is characterized in that the splitter is fixed in the gap between the two guide bodies.