Fiber Management Component Reducing Width via Nested Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical fiber management components are limited by the minimum bend radius of optical fibers, restricting the density of connectors that can be mounted in a conventional rack width, typically allowing only three components per width.
Innovation Solution
A fiber management device with a support member and a detachable housing that organizes optical fibers into loops, using guide structures and latch elements to maintain the minimum bend radius while allowing for a reduced width configuration, enabling more components to be mounted in a panel without exceeding the fiber bend radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional fiber management components are used with standard fiber routing, then the minimum bend radius of optical fibers is maintained, but the width of the component increases, limiting the number of components that can be mounted in a conventional rack width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the optical fibers inside a retractable cover that encloses them within the housing. The fibers are nested within the housing structure and guide structures, allowing the component to maintain a compact width while protecting the fibers and maintaining their minimum bend radius through the enclosed space
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by implementing a retractable cover that moves between extended and retracted positions. This dimensional change allows the component to maintain a consistent width while providing access to and protection of the fibers, enabling reduced width configuration without compromising fiber integrity
2Productivity
If the density of fiber optic connectors is increased, then more connectors can be mounted in a conventional rack width, but the minimum bend radius of optical fibers may be exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fiber routing path into distinct sections using guide structures within the housing. These guide structures divide the fiber path into manageable segments that can be individually controlled to maintain proper bend radius, enabling higher connector density while protecting fiber integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces guide structures as intermediary elements between the connectors and the fiber loops. These guide structures mediate the fiber routing, ensuring that even with increased connector density, the fibers maintain their minimum bend radius through properly guided paths
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber management device includes a first member having a floor, a first end, a second end and first and second sides, the first end including at least one holder for securing at least one optical fiber adapter to the first member, the second end including a frame holding a plurality of fiber optic connectors, the first side and second sides including first and second fiber guide structures. A first optical fiber connector is in the at least one holder, and includes a first plurality of optical fibers forming a first loop on the floor that contacts the first fiber guide structure and the second fiber guide structure. A second member includes a housing releasably connected to the first member and defining with the first member an enclosure for the first loop.