Fiber Optic Module Splice Holder Assembly for High-Density Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-density fiber optic modules have limited interior space due to their form factor, which restricts their ability to support increased fiber optic connections and splicing functionalities, such as splicing pre-connectorized pigtail fibers to trunk optical fibers, while maintaining port density.
Innovation Solution
The high-density fiber optic module incorporates a splice holder assembly with a single fiber splice holder and a ribbon fiber splice holder feature on a common base, along with additional fiber management features, allowing for the splicing of pre-connectorized pigtail fibers within the module, and utilizing a pushrod mechanism to maximize interior space without altering the module's form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the fiber optic module uses a compact form factor to fit in 1-U space, then space utilization is improved, but the interior space for fiber management and splicing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The splice holder assembly is nested within the module housing, utilizing the vertical dimension and existing structural space. The single fiber splice holder and ribbon fiber splice holder are integrated into the module's interior architecture, allowing fiber splicing functionality to be embedded within the compact form factor without requiring additional external space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional space utilization to three-dimensional space utilization by incorporating splice holders that extend vertically and utilize the full height of the 1-U module space. The ribbon fiber splice holder accommodates multiple fibers in a compact vertical arrangement, maximizing the use of available interior volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the module supports splicing functionalities, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splice holder assembly merges the functions of fiber storage, alignment, and splicing support into a single integrated structure. The single fiber splice holder and ribbon fiber splice holder are combined on a common base, allowing multiple splicing operations to be performed within a unified mechanical assembly that reduces overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice holder assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for fiber splicing, accommodates both single fiber and ribbon fiber configurations, and integrates with the module's existing housing and mounting mechanisms. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Productivity
If the module maintains port density, then connectivity is improved, but interior space for fiber management is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The splice holder assembly is positioned in a specific localized area of the module where it does not interfere with the connector ports. By concentrating the fiber management functionality in a dedicated zone and using vertical space efficiently, the design maintains high port density at the front interface while providing adequate space for splicing operations in the rear interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The module interior is segmented into distinct functional zones: the front port area for high-density connectivity, the rear splice holder area for fiber management, and intermediate routing channels. This spatial segmentation allows both high port density and adequate fiber management space to coexist without interference.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A high-density fiber optic module is disclosed. The high-density fiber optic module comprises an interior, at least one adapter disposed in one end of the high-density fiber optic module having a fiber optic connector configured to connect to one or more optical fibers, and a splice holder assembly positioned in the interior of the high-density fiber optic module. The splice holder assembly may have a single fiber splice holder assembly and a ribbon fiber splice holder feature mounted on a common base. The splice holder assembly is configured to provide fiber management for the one or more optical fibers within the interior of the high-density fiber optic module. The splice holder assembly may be configured to provide fiber management for a fiber harness spliced to a ribbon cable by a first ribbon fiber splice, or may be configured to provide fiber management for a plurality of fiber pigtails.