Fiber-Optic Storage Tray Layout for Accessible Splitter Splicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber-optic storage closures are large, cumbersome, and provide poor access for engineers, leading to potential damage of optical fibers during maintenance, especially in high-capacity splitters like 1x32 or 2x32 configurations, where multiple trays are stacked and fiber routing is complex.
Innovation Solution
A compact fiber-optic storage tray design with segregated splicing and splitter portions, integrated fiber management, and containment walls to organize optical fibers and splitters, minimizing bending and enhancing accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple fiber-optic storage trays are stacked to accommodate high-capacity splitters, then the capacity to house all required fiber-optic components is improved, but the complexity of fiber routing increases and access for engineers becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking of multiple trays to a horizontal single-tray layout. The tray includes a top surface and a bottom surface, both utilized for housing splice storage portions and splitter portions. This dimensional change allows high-capacity component housing without the complexity of multi-tray vertical routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single tray is segmented into multiple functional portions: first splice storage portions, second splice storage portions, first splitter portions, and second splitter portions. These segments are distributed across the top and bottom surfaces, organizing components functionally while maintaining simple horizontal access.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple fiber-optic storage trays are stacked to accommodate high-capacity splitters, then the capacity to house all required fiber-optic components is improved, but the risk of fiber damage during maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing both the top surface and bottom surface of a single tray, the patent eliminates the need for vertical access through stacked trays. Engineers can access all components from the sides or top of the single tray without disturbing other fibers, significantly reducing the risk of accidental damage during maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If a compact fiber-optic storage tray design is used with segregated portions, then the accessibility for engineers is improved, but the volume required for housing all components may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes both the top surface and bottom surface of the tray, effectively doubling the available space within a single horizontal footprint. This approach improves accessibility by eliminating vertical stacking while managing component volume efficiently through surface utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the tray are optimized for specific functions: splice storage portions are located in areas optimized for splice protection, while splitter portions are positioned for easy access. Containment walls are strategically placed to organize components locally, improving accessibility without requiring excessive overall volume.
4Reliability
If traditional fiber closures are designed to minimize tight bending angles, then the protection of optical fibers is improved, but the size of the closure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray includes specific containment walls and structured portions that locally manage fiber routing and bending. These localized structures protect fibers from tight bending angles only where necessary, while the overall tray maintains a compact footprint by not requiring excessive space for general fiber storage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber-optic apparatus is disclosed, comprising a base; an optical splitter portion disposed on the base and configured to retain an optical splitter; a first fiber splicing portion, the first fiber splicing portion disposed on the base and configured to retain a plurality of optical fiber splices connecting to an optical splitter; and wherein the first fiber splicing portion is configured to retain a plurality of optical fiber splices such that an end of at least a first optical fiber splice is offset from an end of at least a second optical fiber splice in the direction of the depth of the apparatus.