Fiber Optic Closure Expansion Component for Ruggedized Connectors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber optic communication networks face challenges in upgrading and retrofitting splice closures to accommodate ruggedized fiber optic connectors and pre-connectorized drop cables, particularly in maintaining environmental sealing and supporting both splicing and connectorized connections.

Innovation Solution

The development of a dome-style splice closure with expansion components that integrate ruggedized fiber optic adapters and connector ports, allowing for the upgrade of existing closures to support ruggedized connectors and pre-connectorized drop cables while maintaining environmental sealing and accommodating both splicing and connectorized connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If splice closures are upgraded to include ruggedized fiber optic adapters and connector ports, then the network's robustness and service capacity are enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork robustnessVSAvoidclosure structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The expansion component is nested within the existing splice closure structure. The expansion component includes an outer housing that fits inside the closure body, with adapter assemblies nested within the outer housing. This nested arrangement allows the addition of ruggedized connector functionality without significantly increasing the overall closure complexity or requiring complete redesign of the existing closure structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion component is designed to provide multiple functions: it houses both ruggedized fiber optic adapters for connectorized connections and maintains compatibility with traditional splicing operations. The adapter assemblies can accommodate different connector types, making the upgraded closure universally applicable to various fiber optic connection needs, thereby enhancing reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If expansion components are added to existing closures, then adaptability to ruggedized connectors is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector compatibilityVSAvoidclosure assembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The upgrade system is segmented into modular components: the expansion component with outer housing, multiple adapter assemblies, and seal assemblies. Each adapter assembly is a separate unit that can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the expansion component. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts and easier installation/replacement during field upgrades, improving adaptability while managing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion component is pre-assembled with adapter assemblies and seal assemblies before installation into the existing closure. The adapter assemblies are pre-configured with their respective seals and mounting structures. This preliminary assembly reduces the complexity of field installation, as technicians only need to install the complete expansion component as a unit rather than assembling multiple small parts during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If multiple adapter assemblies are integrated into the expansion component, then service capacity increases, but the volume and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice capacityVSAvoidclosure volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple adapter assemblies are nested within the outer housing of the expansion component in a compact arrangement. The adapter assemblies are positioned to utilize vertical and radial space efficiently, with each adapter housed in its own compartment within the outer housing. This nested configuration allows multiple adapters (increasing service capacity) to be integrated without requiring a proportional increase in overall closure volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter assemblies are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the outer housing, utilizing vertical stacking and radial positioning rather than simple linear arrangement. This multi-dimensional layout maximizes the use of available space within the expansion component, allowing multiple adapters to be integrated while minimizing the volume increase of the overall closure system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS10162142B2Fiber optic closure

Publication Date: 2018.12.25 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A fiber optic communications arrangement includes a closure with an interior volume; the closure including at least one cable through-port in communication with the interior volume; and an expansion component attached to an exterior portion of the closure and having an interior region in communication with the closure interior volume. The expansion component includes ruggedized fiber optic adapters mounted thereto. Each of the ruggedized fiber optic adapters includes at least one connector port for receiving ruggedized fiber optic connectors.