Fiber Optic Enclosure Retrofitting Pedestals with Segmented Compartments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber optic network expansion methods are inefficient and costly, particularly when retrofitting pre-existing pedestals, and there is a need for secure, modular, and easily upgradable enclosures that prevent component loss and misplacement during field service.

Innovation Solution

A fiber optic enclosure with a compartmentalized design, fail-safe latching, and modular components that can be assembled before installation, featuring accessible splice trays for easy upgrades and enhanced connector access, allowing for efficient expansion of fiber optic networks by utilizing existing pedestals like the TV 80 Series.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional cable television pedestals are used for fiber optic network expansion, then existing infrastructure can be utilized, but retrofitting is inefficient and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrofitting efficiencyVSAvoidretrofitting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is divided into multiple compartments (first compartment for fiber optic components, second compartment for electrical components) that can be independently assembled and installed. This segmentation allows for efficient retrofitting of existing pedestals without requiring complete replacement of the infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure is designed to serve multiple functions: housing fiber optic components, housing electrical components, providing secure mounting for adapters and splitters, and enabling both new installations and retrofits of existing pedestals. This multi-functionality makes it suitable for various network expansion scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If components are accessible during field service, then maintenance is easier, but components may be lost or misplaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidcomponent security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure separates fiber optic components and electrical components into different compartments with separate access mechanisms. The fiber optic compartment has its own door and latch system, while the electrical compartment is accessible through the main enclosure door, allowing targeted access to specific components during maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fail-safe latching arrangement automatically ensures that compartment doors are properly secured when closed, eliminating the need for separate locking actions by technicians. The interlocking latch mechanism between the fiber optic compartment door and main enclosure door provides automatic security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If enclosures are designed for secure component storage, then component loss is prevented, but access during field service is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent securityVSAvoidfield service access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure features a main door for accessing the electrical compartment and a separate fiber optic compartment door for accessing fiber optic components. This segmented access allows technicians to open only the specific compartment needed for maintenance while leaving other compartments securely closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fiber optic compartment door is designed to be movable between open and closed positions with a fail-safe latching mechanism that automatically secures the compartment when closed. This dynamic design provides both secure storage when closed and easy access when opened.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If enclosures allow easy upgrades and modifications, then network expansion is facilitated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveupgrade capabilityVSAvoidenclosure structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is designed with modular compartments that can be independently configured and upgraded. Fiber optic components such as adapters and splitters can be mounted on removable racks within the fiber optic compartment, allowing easy addition or replacement of components without affecting the overall enclosure structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Mounting plates and attachment structures are pre-installed on the enclosure walls and compartment interiors during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of mounting locations simplifies field installation and future upgrades, as technicians only need to attach components to pre-positioned mounting points rather than drilling or modifying the enclosure structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10802236B2Fiber optic enclosure for retrofitting pedestals in the field
Publication Date: 2020.10.13 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US10802236B2 patent drawing
  • US10802236B2 patent drawing
  • US10802236B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A telecommunications device includes a module that mounts within an interior of a housing. The housing has a door that latches closed. The module includes a module frame having a bulkhead that divides the interior of the housing into first and second regions. Fiber optic adapters are mounted to the bulkhead. First ports of the adapters are accessible at the first region of the housing interior and second ports are accessible at the second region of the housing interior. The module includes a removable cover for restricting access to the first region. The removable cover including a latch catch that interlocks with the door latch to secure the door in the closed position. The module includes a tray mounted to the module frame within the first region of the housing.