Fiber Routing Guide for MDU Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional local convergence points (LCPs) for multi-dwelling units (MDUs) are large, expensive, and require skilled technicians for installation and maintenance, with a need for cost-effective, smaller LCPs that can be installed and maintained by less skilled personnel, while ensuring security and preventing unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic enclosure with separate OSP and ISP splice trays, where the OSP trays are blocked by a device to restrict access to authorized personnel, and fiber routing guides are used to maintain a minimum bend radius for drop cables, ensuring secure and efficient maintenance and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional LCPs are used to service high density MDUs, then the number of subscribers serviced is improved, but the size and cost of the LCP increases, and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LCP is divided into multiple modular units, each capable of servicing a portion of the subscribers. The enclosure contains multiple splice trays that can be independently managed, allowing the system to scale by adding modular units rather than requiring a single large complex LCP.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking of splice trays within the enclosure to increase capacity without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint. This three-dimensional arrangement allows more subscribers to be serviced within a compact form factor.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional LCPs are used for high density MDUs, then subscriber capacity is improved, but the cost of the LCP increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LCP uses standardized modular components that can be manufactured independently and assembled. The enclosure, splice trays, and routing guides are separate modular elements that reduce manufacturing complexity and cost compared to custom-built large-scale LCPs.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure design incorporates universal features that serve multiple functions: the same enclosure structure houses splice trays, the lid provides both closure and routing guidance, and the modular trays can be configured for different cable types and densities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components.
3Manufacturing precision
If skilled technicians are required for LCP installation and maintenance, then installation quality is improved, but the difficulty of installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splice trays are pre-configured with cable management features and routing guides during manufacturing. The enclosure is pre-assembled with integrated routing structures, eliminating the need for technicians to perform complex routing and organization during installation. This preliminary preparation maintains installation quality while reducing skill requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing guides feature curved surfaces that naturally guide cables through smooth arcs, preventing sharp bends and damage. This ergonomic cable path design makes installation intuitive and reduces the risk of installation errors, allowing less skilled technicians to achieve proper cable routing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If access to all splice trays is allowed for maintenance, then maintenance flexibility is improved, but security and risk of unauthorized access worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The splice trays are organized into separate accessible and non-accessible portions within the enclosure. The lid can be opened to provide access to specific trays while leaving other trays secured, allowing selective maintenance without exposing the entire system. This segmentation maintains security while enabling necessary maintenance activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls access to the splice trays. It provides a secure barrier when closed but can be opened to grant access when needed. This intermediate structure enables controlled access that balances security requirements with maintenance flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A device for guiding a fiber optic drop cable from a splice tray is provided herein. The device includes a body extending from an entry end to an exit end and defining a channel therebetween. The body comprises an entry surface, wherein the entry surface is curved defining a decreasing diameter from the entry end into the channel. The body further comprises an exit surface, wherein the exit surface is curved defining an increasing diameter from the channel to the exit end. The body further comprises at least one cut-out within the body that enables feeding of the drop cable therethrough into the channel. The body is configured to receive the fiber optic drop cable from the splice tray and to maintain a minimum bending radius of the fiber optic drop cable between the splice tray and the exit end, wherein the minimum bending radius corresponds to a change of direction of the fiber optic drop cable below 90°.