Fiber Optic Distribution Device Floor Box Cable Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of fiber optic networks in indoor settings, particularly in multi-dwelling units and block of flats, is complex and costly due to the need for numerous cables and requires skilled technicians, leading to time-consuming and expensive routing through walls and building levels.

Innovation Solution

A novel fiber optic distribution device with a housing that includes removable wall sections, grommets, and a splice tray for easy installation, allowing for efficient routing of riser, tether, and drop cables, reducing the need for extensive cabling and skilled labor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standard fiber optic distribution devices are used with multiple separated cables for each subscriber, then connection reliability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcabling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fiber optic cables into a single integrated distribution device (floor box) that serves multiple subscribers. Instead of having separate cables routed through walls for each subscriber, the device consolidates multiple cable entries and distribution points in one location, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining individual connection reliability for each subscriber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The floor box device performs multiple functions: it serves as a cable entry point, a distribution hub for multiple subscribers, a splicing location, and a mounting point for network terminals. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices for each function, reducing installation complexity while ensuring reliable connections.

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

2Manufacturing precision

If skilled technicians are used for installation, then installation quality is improved, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation qualityVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution device is divided into modular components including removable wall sections, grommets for cable protection, splice trays for fiber splicing, and mounting mechanisms. This segmentation allows for easier assembly and installation by less skilled technicians while maintaining installation quality through standardized, pre-configured components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device is pre-configured with wall sections, grommets, and splice trays during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site configurations, allowing faster installation by technicians with less specialized training while maintaining consistent installation quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If extensive cabling through walls and building levels is implemented, then network coverage is improved, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The floor box device consolidates cable management in a horizontal plane at the floor level, eliminating the need for vertical cable routing through walls and building levels. By providing multiple cable entry points and distribution outlets in a single floor-mounted unit, the device achieves wide network coverage without time-consuming vertical installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2426539B1Fiber optic distribution device and fiber optic network including the same
Publication Date: 2014.04.09 CCS TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP2426539B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2426539B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2426539B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fiber optic distribution device (10), comprising a housing (11), said housing (11) providing an inlet opening for an fiber optic riser cable (46) or for an fiber optic tether cable (47) and an outlet opening for said fiber optic riser cable (46) or for said fiber optic tether cable (47), whereby said inlet opening is assigned to a first side wall (14) of the housing and said outlet opening is assigned to a second, opposite first side wall (15) of the housing; whereby outlet openings for fiber optic drop cables (40) are assigned to said first side wall (14) and to said second side wall (15); said housing (11) having a bottom wall (31), whereby at least one line (38, 39) of strain relief elements (37) assigned to said bottom wall (31) runs generally in parallel to each of said first side wall (14) and said second side wall (15) in order to provide strain relief for the drop cables running through the respective outlet openings of the respective side wall (14, 15) in a way that each drop cable can be placed on a strain relief element (37) and can be fixed at said strain relief element (37) using a cable tie (41) surrounding the respective drop cable (40) and the respective strain relief element (37); whereby at each side of each strain relief element (37) there is positioned a cable tie guide element (42) guiding the cable tie (41) when mounting the respective cable tie (41) at the respective relief element (37); whereby each two spaced apart lines (38, 39) of strain relief elements (37) are running generally in parallel to each of said first side wall (14) and said second side wall (15), whereby in the middle between each two adjacent strain relief elements (77) of each line (38, 39) there is positioned each one strain relief element (37) of the respective spaced apart line (39, 38) of strain relief elements, and whereby in the middle between each two adjacent cable tie guide elements (42) of the each line (38, 39) there is positioned a cable tie guide element (42) of the respective spaced apart line (39, 38).