Fiber Optic Enclosure With External Cable Spool for Variable Payout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic enclosures face challenges in managing varying lengths of subscriber cables due to their varying distances from network hubs, requiring effective cable management and payout solutions.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic enclosure with a cable spool assembly on its exterior, allowing the enclosure and spool to rotate in unison, enabling selective payout and storage of excess cable lengths, and incorporating a mounting assembly for engagement with a mounting location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fiber optic enclosure is used to provide subscriber access point, then fiber optic connections can be established, but the varying lengths of subscriber cable between the enclosure and network hub become difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The cable spool assembly is designed to rotate selectively about a vertical axis, allowing dynamic adjustment of cable payout length. This rotational mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying cable length requirements between the enclosure and network hub, transforming a static cable management system into a dynamic one that can respond to different installation scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management system is segmented into distinct functional components: the cable spool assembly for cable storage and payout, the mounting assembly for secure attachment, and the enclosure for optical connections. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the spool handling cable length variations while the enclosure maintains stable optical connection points.
2Ease of operation
If cable is stored inside the enclosure, then cable management is simplified, but the enclosure interior space is consumed and cable payout is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The cable spool assembly is positioned on the exterior surface of the enclosure rather than inside, utilizing the external three-dimensional space for cable storage. This dimensional relocation allows the enclosure interior to remain available for optical connection components while the spool handles cable management externally, effectively separating cable storage volume from enclosure interior volume.
3Reliability
If the cable spool assembly is fixed to the enclosure, then cable payout is controlled, but the assembly cannot rotate independently causing cable tension and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly incorporates a bearing that enables the cable spool assembly to rotate selectively about a vertical axis while remaining mounted to the enclosure. This dynamic rotational capability allows the spool to payout cable without creating tension or damage, while the mounting connection maintains secure attachment. The bearing mechanism provides controlled rotation that balances cable payout needs with secure mounting.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic telecommunications device includes an enclosure defining an interior. A first fiber optic adapter is provided at the enclosure. A spool is provided at an exterior of the enclosure. A fiber optic cable, which includes a first optical fiber, is wrapped around the spool. A first fiber optic connector is mounted at a first end of the first optical fiber. The first end of the first optical fiber is positioned within the interior of the enclosure. The first fiber optic connector is inserted within the first fiber optic adapter. The enclosure and the spool are configured to rotate in unison about a common axis when the fiber optic cable is unwound from the spool.