Fiber Optic Cable Orientation for Compact Multiport Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fiber optic networks face challenges in deploying and organizing cables in outdoor environments due to space constraints and unorganized cable routing, leading to inefficient use of space and aesthetics issues.

Innovation Solution

The development of fiber optic networks with cable assemblies and multiports that allow for organized routing of cables along a connection plane, utilizing a fiber optic connector with a housing and ferrule that aligns the cable's major axis perpendicular to the connection plane, enabling compact and efficient deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hardened fiber optic connectors are mounted on robust and relatively stiff fiber optic cables, then the connectors can be securely installed in outdoor environments, but the cable routing becomes unorganized and consumes large amounts of space on poles and in vaults

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector installation securityVSAvoidspace consumption on poles and in vaults

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cable assembly is segmented into distinct functional sections: a connector portion with the hardened connector, a transition region with flexible cable, and a cable portion. This segmentation allows the rigid connector to be separated from the flexible cable routing, enabling organized cable management while maintaining secure connector installation in outdoor environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable assembly uses composite construction combining a rigid connector housing with environmentally sealed components for outdoor reliability, transitioned to a flexible cable portion with appropriate bending radius characteristics. This composite approach allows the assembly to maintain structural integrity for secure mounting while enabling flexible, organized routing that reduces space consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If slack storage is provided for fiber optic cables in aerial deployments, then the cables can be properly managed, but the available space is consumed and the deployment becomes unsightly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable managementVSAvoidavailable space on poles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cable assembly design allows the cable to be nested along the connection plane of the multiport device, with the cable portion following the contour of the connection plane. This nesting approach organizes cables in a compact manner that eliminates the need for separate slack storage spaces while maintaining proper cable management in aerial deployments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable routing is directed along the connection plane of the multiport device, utilizing the two-dimensional surface of the connection plane for cable organization rather than requiring three-dimensional slack storage space. This dimensional approach allows cables to be neatly routed and secured along the face of the device, improving aesthetics and space utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fiber optic cables are routed without a predetermined orientation, then installation is flexible, but the cable routing becomes unorganized and difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidcable organization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cable assembly is pre-configured with a predetermined cable orientation relative to the connector, with the cable extending from the connector in a specific direction perpendicular to the connection plane. This preliminary orientation is established during manufacturing, providing cable organization and ease of management while maintaining installation flexibility through the standardized interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connector housing serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the flexible installation requirements and the need for organized cable routing. The housing includes features such as a boot and transition region that guide the cable in a predetermined orientation, organizing cables neatly while allowing flexible connection to different locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11294133B2Fiber optic networks using multiports and cable assemblies with cable-to-connector orientation

Publication Date: 2022.04.05 CORNING RES & DEV CORP

AI summary

Fiber optic networks having cable assemblies with a predetermined cable-to-connector orientation that cooperate with a multiport so that the cables of the cable assemblies may be routed to the multiport and organized in an efficient and compact manner. In one embodiment, the cable assembly has a fiber optic connector terminated to a cable with a cross-section so that a major axis of the cable cross-section is aligned with a keying portion and locking feature of fiber optic connector. The cable-to-connector orientation allows cable assemblies to be optically connected to the multiport so that the cables may be routed away from the multiport along the connection plane of the multiport in the fiber optic network.