Fiber Optic Telecommunications Module With Stacked Adapter Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic telecommunications systems face challenges in increasing density and accessibility while maintaining cost-effectiveness and simplicity, especially in installations with limited space and pre-configured capacity.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic telecommunications module with a main housing and removable adapter modules, featuring a stacked arrangement of adapters with guide rails for sliding mounting, allowing for non-parallel alignment and easy access to connectors, which can be mounted on existing telecommunications equipment without modifying the preexisting structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fiber optic equipment density is increased to meet growing demand, then transmission capacity is improved, but accessibility to components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter modules are arranged in a stacked configuration extending from the rear wall toward the front opening, utilizing the depth dimension of the housing to increase connector density without compromising front accessibility. This vertical stacking allows multiple adapters to be accessed through the same front opening, effectively adding capacity in the Z-dimension rather than expanding the footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic assembly is divided into multiple removable adapter modules, each containing a subset of adapters. This segmentation allows individual modules to be accessed, removed, or replaced without disturbing other modules, maintaining accessibility while increasing overall capacity. The guide rails enable independent handling of each module.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-configured transmission cables are installed to accommodate future modules, then future expansion capability is improved, but accessibility to connectors deteriorates due to panel configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter modules are designed to be removable and reconfigurable within the housing, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to different configuration needs. The guide rails enable modules to be easily inserted, removed, or repositioned, providing flexibility for future expansion while maintaining current accessibility. This dynamic design allows the panel configuration to be optimized for both current and future requirements.
3Quantity of substance
If adapter modules are arranged in stacked configuration to increase density, then fiber optic capacity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic assembly is divided into multiple independent adapter modules, each manufactured as a separate unit. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each module to be produced, tested, and assembled independently, then combined in the housing. The standardized guide rail interfaces further simplify the assembly process by providing consistent mounting mechanisms for all modules.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fiber optic telecommunications module (100) comprising: a main housing portion (102) including a top wall (108), a bottom wall (110), a first transverse sidewall (106), a rear wall (112), an open front end (120), and an open second side (116), the main housing portion (102) including an optical component (130); a cover portion (104, 104a) coupled to the main housing portion (102) to close up the open second side (116) of the main housing portion (102) and keep the optical component (130) within the main housing portion (102); a first fiber optic adapter module (316) and a second fiber optic adapter module (316) removably coupled to the main housing portion (102) to close the open front end (120) of the main housing portion (102), the first and second fiber optic adapter modules (316) being provided in a stacked arrangement in a direction extending from the first transverse (106) sidewall toward the cover portion (104, 104a); wherein each of the first and second fiber optic adapter modules includes a plurality of fiber optic adapters (340) which are configured to receive connectorized cables extending from the optical component (130) within the main housing portion (102), each adapter (340) defining a longitudinal axis (AA) that is parallel to the top and bottom walls (108, 110) of the main housing portion (102), each of the first and second fiber optic adapter modules (316) including at least one guide rail (508) extending between the top wall (108) and the bottom wall (110) of the main housing portion (102), the guide rail (508) being configured for slidably mounting the fiber optic telecommunications module (100) to a first telecommunications device, wherein the guide rail (508) is configured for sliding the fiber optic telecommunications module (100) along a direction that is non-parallel to the longitudinal axes (AA) of the adapters (340) and to a fiber optic assembly and a method of mounting a telecommunications module (100) to a piece of telecommunications equipment.