Fiber Optic Distribution Device Groove Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber optic distribution devices lack flexible and cost-effective installation options for fiber optic management units both inside and outside buildings, limiting their adaptability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A fiber optic distribution device with a back wall featuring intersecting sets of parallel grooves allows for flexible mounting of fiber optic management units using screws or snap hooks, enabling simple, reliable, and cost-effective installation and positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed mounting positions with holes are used in the back wall, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the installation positions for fiber optic management units lack flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation position flexibilityVSAvoidback wall structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The back wall structure is segmented into multiple parallel grooves instead of using a single fixed mounting pattern. These grooves divide the mounting space into discrete positions along the grooves, allowing fiber optic management units to be installed at various locations while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system transitions from fixed two-dimensional hole positions to a one-dimensional groove-based system that allows continuous positioning along the groove length. This dimensional change enables flexible installation positions while keeping the back wall structure relatively simple.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mounting holes are provided in the back wall, then installation positions increase, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of mounting positionsVSAvoidback wall manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of providing multiple discrete mounting holes throughout the back wall, the structure is segmented into a few parallel grooves. These grooves serve as continuous mounting tracks that replace numerous individual holes, reducing manufacturing complexity while increasing the number of available mounting positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The parallel grooves serve multiple functions: they provide mounting positions for fiber optic management units, guide the placement of fastening elements, and allow flexible positioning along their length. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for numerous specialized mounting holes.

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

3Ease of operation

If fixed hole positions are used for mounting, then manufacturing is cost-effective, but installation flexibility and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidmounting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system transitions from static fixed hole positions to dynamic groove-based positioning that allows fiber optic management units to be installed at various locations along the grooves. This dynamic capability provides installation flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple groove structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting parameters change from fixed coordinates (hole positions) to variable positions along continuous grooves. This parameter change enables flexible installation while the groove geometry itself remains simple and cost-effective to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2738584B1Fiber optic distribution device
Publication Date: 2021.07.21 CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC
  • EP2738584B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2738584B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2738584B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A fiber optic distribution device (20) for handling optical fibers, especially wall box, the fiber optic distribution device (20) comprises: a housing (21) with a back wall (22), a front wall and side walls (23, 24, 25, 26) defining together an interior (27) of the housing (21); fiber optic management units like patch units and/or splice units and/or overlength units for handling optical fibers and/or junctions between optical fibers being positioned in the interior (27) of the housing (21), wherein the fiber optic management units are mounted to the back wall (22) of the housing (21). The back wall (22) comprises at least one set of parallel grooves (28), whereby each fiber optic management unit (29, 30, 31) is mounted to the back wall (22) by fastening elements acting together with at least one of grooves. (Figure 2)