Fiber Optic Module Flexible Sub-Assembly Limited Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fiber optic systems, especially in limited space applications like Fiber to the Antenna (FTTA), installation, testing, and maintenance are hindered by space constraints and environmental exposure, which affect the performance and integrity of multi-fiber cables and connectors.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic module assembly with a flexible sub-assembly that includes a hardened multi-fiber connector and a compression fitting, allowing for adjustable placement and flexibility to mitigate environmental stress and facilitate access, combined with mounting options for secure installation on various surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If fiber optic systems are placed into small cabinets or canisters for limited space applications, then space utilization is improved, but operator access for installation, testing, and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic module is divided into separate functional components including a housing, adapter assembly, and cable management sections. This segmentation allows the module to maintain a compact overall size while providing accessible interfaces for operators to connect and maintain fiber optic cables without requiring access to the entire module interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external adapter assemblies and cable management components that serve as intermediaries between the compact module housing and the fiber optic cables. These intermediaries extend the operational interfaces outside the housing, enabling operators to perform installation, testing, and maintenance on the adapters and cable connections without needing to access the internal components of the compact module.
2Quantity of substance
If multi-fiber cables and connectors are used to meet high capacity demands, then bandwidth capacity is improved, but sensitivity to environmental stresses worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sealed housing constructions and protective environments within the module to create an inert atmosphere that shields the multi-fiber cables and connectors from environmental stresses such as humidity, temperature extremes, and particulate contamination. This protective environment maintains the performance and reliability of the sensitive fiber optic components while enabling high capacity multi-fiber connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The module utilizes composite material constructions including sealed housings, protective coatings, and environmentally resistant materials for the cable assemblies and connectors. These composite materials provide both the mechanical strength needed for multi-fiber cable management and the environmental protection required to mitigate sensitivity to humidity, temperature, and contaminants.
3Reliability
If components are sealed to protect from environmental stresses, then reliability is improved, but accessibility for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The module is designed with segmented construction where the housing is sealed to protect internal components, while external adapter assemblies provide accessible interfaces for maintenance. The segmentation allows the sealed portion to maintain reliability while the external portions remain accessible for connecting and replacing fiber optic cables and adapters without compromising the sealed environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the maintenance-accessible components (adapters and cable connection points) from the sealed housing environment and places them in external assemblies. This extraction allows operators to perform maintenance, testing, and cable connections on the external adapters without needing to open or access the sealed housing, thereby maintaining both component protection and ease of repair.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic module having a module housing and a module sub-assembly. The module housing defines at least an interior space, at least one adapter aperture and at least one input aperture. The module sub-assembly defines at least one fiber optic cable, for example, passing through the at least one input aperture, at least one multi-fiber connector on an end of the fiber optic cable, and at least one single fiber connector on an opposite end of the fiber optic cable, the multi-fiber connector being in optical communication with the at least one single fiber connector, the multi-fiber connector capable of flexing on the at least one fiber optic cable relative to the module housing.