Fiber Optic Splitter Module Horizontal Cable Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber distribution hubs in passive optical networks have limitations in cable management and footprint size, leading to challenges in organization and accessibility for technicians, particularly due to vertical cable configurations that complicate the connection process.

Innovation Solution

The design features a fiber distribution hub with horizontal rails and vertical panels, incorporating a splitter assembly with angled distribution ports and a vertical cable manager, which improves cable organization and accessibility by orienting the splitter module 90 degrees from traditional systems, allowing for easier cable management and a more compact footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional vertical cable configurations are used in fiber distribution hubs, then cable management becomes complicated and accessibility for technicians deteriorates, but changing to horizontal configuration increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable management and technician accessibilityVSAvoidhub configuration structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional vertical cable configuration by implementing a horizontal cable management system. The splitter assembly is mounted horizontally with distribution ports facing upward, and cables are routed horizontally through cable managers rather than vertically downward. This inversion simplifies cable management and improves technician accessibility while maintaining structural integrity through the horizontal rail mounting system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a vertical dimension-dominated configuration to a horizontal dimension-dominated configuration. By mounting the splitter assembly horizontally on rails and routing cables in the horizontal plane, the system changes the primary dimension of cable management from vertical to horizontal, thereby simplifying organization and improving accessibility without compromising functional performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If traditional fiber distribution hub configurations are used, then cable organization becomes difficult, but redesigning the hub layout increases manufacturing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable organizationVSAvoidhub assembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fiber distribution hub into modular components: a splitter assembly that can be independently mounted on horizontal rails, separate cable managers for organized cable routing, and a storage rack for subscriber cables. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete hub system, thereby improving cable organization while managing manufacturing complexity through modularity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The horizontal rail system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the splitter assembly, enables horizontal cable routing, and allows for easy installation and reconfiguration. The cable managers also serve dual purposes of organizing cables and providing strain relief. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying both cable organization and the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Length of stationary object

If vertical splitter assemblies are used, then the hub requires more vertical space, but horizontal orientation increases the footprint area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical space requirementVSAvoidhub footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent rotates the splitter assembly from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, changing the primary dimension from vertical height to horizontal width. This allows the hub to utilize horizontal space more efficiently while reducing the vertical space requirement, thereby optimizing the overall footprint for installations where vertical clearance is limited.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11221455B2Fiber optic splitter modules and systems

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS DIRECT LLC

AI summary

In one instance, a fiber distribution hub includes a fiber distribution cabinet and a fiber optic splitter module coupled to and disposed within the fiber distribution cabinet. The fiber optic splitter module has horizontal (perpendicular to gravity) top and bottom rails and vertically (parallel to gravity) mounted splitter assemblies. In some instances, the distribution ports are downwardly oriented to facilitate cable management. Cable management systems are also included. Other aspects are presented.