Fiber Optic Enclosure Splitter Reconfiguration via Intermediary Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic systems require complex and costly reconfiguration processes to change splitter ratio outputs, necessitating skilled technicians and risking damage to optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
A system allowing quick and easy adjustment of splitter ratio outputs by disconnecting and reconnecting intermediary connectors between adapter ports, enabling novice technicians to change splitter ratios without accessing the fiber management portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed splitter ratio configuration is used in fiber optic enclosures, then system reliability is maintained, but adaptability to different splitter ratio requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fiber optic path into modular components: feeder cables, main optical fibers, splitters, distribution optical fibers, and intermediary connectors. This segmentation allows the intermediary connector to be independently repositioned between different adapter ports to change splitter ratios without affecting other components, thus providing adaptability while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary connector acts as a mediator between the main optical fiber and the distribution optical fibers. By moving this intermediary connector to different adapter ports, the system can change the splitter ratio configuration. This intermediary element enables adaptability while keeping the reconfiguration process simple and avoiding the need to rewire the entire system
2Adaptability or versatility
If reconfiguration of splitter ratios is performed by accessing the fiber management portion, then complete control over splitter ratio is achieved, but the risk of signal loss and damage to optical fibers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the reconfiguration action from the sensitive fiber management portion and relocates it to the safer installer portion. The intermediary connector can be disconnected and reconnected at adapter ports that are accessible from the installer portion, taking the potentially harmful reconfiguration action away from the protected fiber management area where optical fibers are vulnerable
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter ports are pre-configured with connection capabilities that allow the intermediary connector to be repositioned without requiring access to the fiber management portion. This preliminary setup enables safe reconfiguration through pre-prepared connection points that are accessible from the installer portion, preventing damage before it can occur
3Reliability
If skilled technicians perform reconfiguration, then proper handling of optical fibers is ensured, but the time and cost of reconfiguration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service reconfiguration by providing a simplified interface through the installer portion where technicians can independently reposition the intermediary connector without requiring specialized training or access to complex fiber management areas. The pre-configured adapter ports guide the reconfiguration process, allowing even novice technicians to safely change splitter ratios quickly
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary connector serves as a user-friendly interface that mediates between the operator and the complex fiber optic system. By interacting with this single connector at accessible adapter ports rather than directly manipulating optical fibers, technicians can perform reconfiguration safely and quickly without requiring extensive skill or time
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional hardware and wiring are installed to change splitter ratios, then the desired splitter ratio is achieved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter ports are designed with universal functionality to accept the intermediary connector at multiple positions. This universal interface allows a single intermediary connector to provide multiple splitter ratio configurations (e.g., 1×32, 1×64, 1×128) without requiring additional hardware. The same physical components serve multiple functions depending on the connector's position
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the existing intermediary connector and installing new hardware, the system recovers and reuses the same intermediary connector at different adapter ports to achieve different splitter ratios. This approach avoids the cost and complexity of adding new hardware while maintaining full adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, assemblies, and methods for selectively defining optical fiber splitter ratio outputs within an enclosure are provided. The system includes an enclosure comprising a feeder cable with a plurality of main optical fibers that are each connected to either an adapter port or to a splitter that is then connected to split adapter ports. Intermediary connectors are selectively connectable to the adapter ports or split adaptor ports, and the intermediary connectors are connected to additional splitters by intermediary optical fibers. The additional splitters are then each connected to distribution optical fibers, which are connected to sets of distribution ports. The sets of distribution ports are positioned in a panel of the enclosure and accessible for connection to downstream installation optical fibers. Various optical splitter ratio outputs for the distribution ports are selectable depending on which adapter ports the intermediary connectors are connected to.