Two-Level Fiber Routing Insert for Space-Saving Optical Splicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber routing inserts in optical junction or distribution boxes are complex, leading to increased costs, production time, and risk of fiber damage during maintenance, especially with multiple intersecting fibers.
Innovation Solution
A fiber routing insert with two overlapped floors, where the first floor retains fibers and the second floor splices and routes them, utilizing guide elements to define paths that optimize space and minimize fiber damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex insert structure is used to retain and splice fibers, then the fiber routing functionality is improved, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is divided into two separate floors: a first floor for retaining fibers and a second floor for splicing and routing fibers. This segmentation allows each floor to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall structure compared to a complex single-structure design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane fiber routing structure to a multi-level structure with fibers extending vertically from the first floor to the second floor. This dimensional change enables independent optimization of retention and splicing functions while reducing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple intersecting fibers are routed through the insert, then the fiber connectivity is improved, but the risk of fiber damage during maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating fiber retention (first floor) from fiber splicing and routing (second floor), the patent reduces the number of fiber intersections in any single plane. This segmentation minimizes the risk of damage to multiple fibers during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical extension structure acts as an intermediary that cleanly transitions fibers from the retention floor to the splicing floor, reducing the need for complex intersecting fiber paths and associated damage risks.
3Area of stationary object
If a traditional single-floor insert is used, then the structure is simpler, but the available space for fiber storage and splicing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by creating a two-floor structure, effectively doubling the available workspace for fiber operations within the same horizontal footprint. This resolves the space insufficiency without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second floor is positioned above and utilizes the vertical space within the same horizontal envelope as the first floor, creating a nested arrangement that maximizes space utilization without requiring a larger overall device volume.
4Productivity
If the insert structure is simplified, then the production time and costs are reduced, but the fiber routing and splicing efficiency may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented two-floor design provides clear functional separation that actually improves routing efficiency by organizing fibers systematically. The simplified construction methods maintain production efficiency while the functional segmentation enhances operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert structure is designed to perform multiple functions (retention, splicing, routing) through its two-floor configuration, maintaining versatility and efficiency while using simplified, cost-effective construction methods.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber routing insert (1) for an optical junction or distribution box (100), comprising: a first floor (10); first guide elements (20) extending, along a spacing direction (X-X) transversal to the first floor (10), from the first floor (10) to first ceiling portions (30), the first guide elements (20) defining a first path (A) on the first floor (10) configured to receive optical fibers (2), the first path (A) defining a figure-eight fiber locking path; a second floor (40) arranged at a raised position relative to the first floor (10) and spaced apart from the first floor (10) along the spacing direction (X-X), the second floor (40) comprising a splicing area (50) for splicing the optical fibers on the second floor (40); second guide elements (60) arranged on the second floor (40), the second guide elements (60) defining a second path (B) on the second floor (40) configured to receive optical fibers (2), a connecting element (70) configured to guide optical fibers (2) from the first path (A) to the second path (B), the first ceiling portions (30) define the second floor (40).