Fiber Optic Connector Panel Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy Broadband Digital Loop Carrier (BDLC) Outside Plant enclosures are designed for copper-based circuits, leaving insufficient space for fiber cabling management and termination, and the transition to fiber-based applications results in wasted cabinet space due to the need for different protection methods.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic connector panel designed to fit within telecommunications fiber optic distribution cabinets, featuring a support panel with pivotable mounting, cylindrical cable storage members, and a fiber optic connector to manage and protect fiber optic pigtails, jumpers, and splices, replacing the traditional copper protector blocks, allowing for efficient use of space and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy copper-based enclosure designs are used, then copper circuit termination is supported, but fiber cabling management space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector panel is designed to serve multiple functions within a single enclosure: it provides fiber optic connection, cable storage, splice management, and replaces the traditional copper protector block. This multi-functional design allows the same physical space to support both fiber-based services and maintain compatibility with existing copper infrastructure, thereby improving adaptability without requiring additional enclosure space.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel utilizes the vertical dimension by extending cable storage members upward from the panel surface, allowing cables to be stored in a third dimension rather than only horizontally. This dimensional transition enables efficient use of limited enclosure space while providing adequate storage capacity for fiber optic cables and splices.
2Reliability
If traditional copper protector blocks are retained, then lightning surge protection is maintained, but cabinet space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the fiber optic connector functionality with the protective block form factor. The connector panel is designed to snap into the same mounting arrangement as traditional copper protector blocks, combining the protection function with fiber optic connection and management capabilities in a single integrated unit, thereby eliminating wasted space while maintaining protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel serves as both a protective device and a fiber optic connector simultaneously. By integrating the protection function with fiber connection, cable storage, and splice management in a single panel that fits the existing 307-type form factor, the design maintains lightning surge protection capability while eliminating the need for separate copper protector blocks, thus optimizing cabinet space utilization.
3Ease of operation
If rack-mounted fiber termination panels are installed, then fiber termination is achieved, but sufficient cabinet space is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The connector panel is divided into distinct functional segments: a bulkhead fitting area for connector installation, cylindrical cable storage members for pigtail and jumper storage, and splice storage members for fusion splice organization. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized within a compact footprint, enabling fiber termination capabilities while minimizing the overall space requirement within the cabinet.
Solution Approach 2:
The design nests multiple storage functions within the panel structure itself. Cable storage members and splice storage members are integrated into the panel body, allowing cables and splices to be stored within the confines of the panel rather than requiring separate external storage spaces. This nesting approach maximizes space efficiency while maintaining ease of operation for fiber termination.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic connector panel fits within a telecommunications fiber optic distribution cabinet and terminates and protects outside plant cables. A support panel is pivotally mounted into a telecommunications fiber optic distribution cabinet. A first cylindrically configured cable storage member is supported by the support panel and configured to store any slack fiber optic pigtails. A second cable storage member is supported by the support panel and configured to store any slack outside plant cable and jumpers. A fiber optic connector is supported by the support panel and configured to connect fiber optic pigtails and fiber optic jumpers. A splice storage member is supported by the support panel and configured to store fiber optic cable splices of the fiber optic pigtails and outside plant cable and jumpers of the fiber optic pigtails and outside plant cable and jumpers.