Fiber Slack Storage Assembly With Pivoting Splice Trays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic communication systems face challenges in storing and organizing fiber slack while maintaining easy accessibility, especially with high fiber counts, as traditional structures become unwieldy and complicate splicing and storage.
Innovation Solution
A fiber storage assembly comprising a slack storage tray and pivotally coupled splice trays that can be moved between closed and open configurations, allowing separate storage of fiber slack and splices, with features like clips and flexible guides for organized fiber routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional fiber storage structures are used, then fiber slack can be stored, but the structure becomes unwieldy and difficult to access for technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber storage assembly is divided into separate functional modules: a slack storage tray for storing fiber slack and splice trays for holding splices. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining ease of access to fiber slack.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice trays are made movable relative to the slack storage tray, allowing them to be positioned open for access or closed for protection. This dynamic configuration enables the structure to adapt between different operational states (access vs. protection) without increasing permanent structural complexity.
2Productivity
If fiber slack is stored in traditional structures, then storage is provided, but splicing efficiency is reduced due to poor organization
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly separates fiber slack storage from splice storage into distinct trays, allowing technicians to efficiently access and organize fibers without confusion. The slack storage tray provides dedicated space for fiber slack while splice trays provide dedicated space for splices, improving overall organization and splicing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Moveable splice trays act as intermediaries between the slack storage tray and the splicing area. These trays can be positioned to facilitate easy transfer and organization of fibers during splicing operations, improving productivity while maintaining good organization.
3Ease of operation
If traditional storage structures are used, then fiber storage is provided, but accessibility is difficult for technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The splice trays are designed to be movable between open and closed positions, allowing technicians easy access to splices and fiber slack when needed. The dynamic nature of the trays enables simple reconfiguration without adding permanent structural complexity, maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable splice trays add a dimensional degree of freedom to the storage structure, allowing access from multiple angles and positions. This dimensional flexibility improves technician accessibility without requiring complex multi-level structures, as the trays can be maneuvered into optimal positions for access.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a fiber storage assembly includes a slack storage tray and one or more splice trays pivotally coupled to the slack storage tray. The slack storage tray defines a slack storage volume configured to store fiber slack of an optical fiber. The one or more splice trays are moveable between a closed configuration enclosing the slack storage volume and open configuration exposing the slack storage volume.