Compact Fiber Optic LCP for MDUs Using Segmented Modular Slots
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic local convergence points (LCPs) for multiple dwelling units (MDUs) are large, expensive, and require skilled technicians for installation and maintenance, as they often necessitate splicing and complex optical connections.
Innovation Solution
The development of compact, cost-effective fiber optic LCPs and associated hardware components that allow for optical connectivity using smaller hardware, enabling installation by unskilled technicians without the need for splicing, featuring a housing with a movable cover, a cable assembly with a splitter end, and microstructured optical fibers with improved bend resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional LCPs are used to provide optical connectivity to high density MDUs, then the number of subscribers serviced is improved, but the size and cost of the LCP increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LCP is divided into multiple modular slots, each capable of independently servicing a portion of the subscribers. This segmentation allows the system to scale by adding or removing slots rather than requiring a single large unit, thereby reducing the size for high-density applications while maintaining the capability to service many subscribers.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular slots are designed to be nested within the LCP housing, with each slot containing compact fiber optic components. This nesting arrangement maximizes the use of internal space, allowing multiple subscriber services to be accommodated within a smaller overall LCP volume compared to conventional designs.
2Reliability
If conventional LCPs are used for fiber optic connections, then optical connectivity is achieved, but the installation complexity increases requiring skilled technicians
Solution Approach 1:
Fiber optic cables are pre-terminated with connectors at the factory before being installed in the LCP. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field technicians to perform complex splicing operations, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable optical connectivity. The pre-terminated cables are simply plugged into the modular slots during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular slot design acts as an intermediary between the distribution cable and subscriber cables, providing a standardized interface that simplifies connections. This intermediary structure with pre-configured fiber optic pathways and connectors reduces the skill level required for installation while ensuring reliable optical connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LCPs are deployed in MDUs, then fiber optic network coverage is provided, but the installation time and labor cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The LCP employs dynamically configurable modular slots that can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the number of subscribers being serviced. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different deployment scenarios, reducing installation time by only activating the necessary number of slots rather than configuring a fixed large-scale system.
Solution Approach 2:
The network coverage is achieved through segmented modular units that can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation allows installers to deploy the LCP in a phased manner, adding subscriber slots as needed, which significantly reduces the total installation time compared to deploying a complete conventional system all at once.
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided fiber optic local convergence points (“LCPs”) adapted for use with multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) that facilitate relatively easy installation and/or optical connectivity to a relatively large number of subscribers. The LCP includes a housing mounted to a surface, such as a wall, and a cable assembly with a connector end to be optically connected to a distribution cable and a splitter end to be located within the housing. The splitter end includes at least one splitter and a plurality of subscriber receptacles to which subscriber cables may be optically connected. The splitter end of the cable assembly of the LCP may also include a splice tray assembly and/or a fiber optic routing guide. Furthermore, a fiber distribution terminal (“FDT”) may be provided along the subscriber cable to facilitate installation of the fiber optic network within the MDU.