Fiber Optic Socket Insert With Cable Winding Drum

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional junction box inserts for fiber optic cables are complex to install due to the difficulty in mounting flexible cables in limited wall spaces, leading to elaborate designs and higher costs.

Innovation Solution

A socket insert with a thin-walled, two-dimensional mounting plate, a drum for winding fiber optic cables, and a coupling device for optical connectors, allowing for easy assembly and cost-effective installation, featuring detachable connections and rotational adjustment for precise winding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional junction box inserts use elaborate designs to accommodate flexible fiber optic cables in limited wall spaces, then the installation can be completed, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The socket insert is divided into separate functional components: a mounting plate for attachment to the junction box, a drum for cable winding, and a coupling device for optical connectors. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall installation process by making the modular assembly straightforward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The drum is positioned to project axially from the mounting plate, utilizing the axial dimension to provide cable winding space without increasing the radial footprint. This dimensional arrangement allows flexible cable storage within the constraints of limited wall space while maintaining a compact profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If conventional junction box inserts use elaborate designs to accommodate flexible fiber optic cables, then the installation can be completed, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the socket insert into distinct modular components (mounting plate, drum, coupling device), each part can be manufactured separately using cost-effective processes and then assembled. This reduces manufacturing complexity and allows for standardized production of individual components, lowering overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting plate is designed as a thin-walled, two-dimensional structure that can be formed and stamped from sheet metal. This thin-film approach reduces material usage and manufacturing complexity compared to three-dimensional robust structures, while still providing sufficient mechanical support and mounting functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the drum is detachably operatively connectable to the mounting plate and/or coupling device, then flexibility and ease of installation are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drum is designed with detachable operative connections that allow it to be selectively attached to the mounting plate and/or coupling device. This dynamic connection system enables the drum to be positioned in different circumferential orientations and easily removed or reattached during installation, providing flexibility without requiring complex permanent integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4105699B1Socket insert for an installation socket
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 KAISER AKTIENGES
  • EP4105699B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4105699B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4105699B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a socket insert (1) for a fiber optic subscriber connection for installation in a junction box (2). The socket insert (1) comprises a mounting plate (3) for attaching the socket insert (1) to the junction box (2), a coupling device (10) for receiving and end-face operatively connecting two optical connectors to each other, and a drum (7) for winding at least one fiber optic cable around the drum (7). The mounting plate (3) has a receiving opening (4) extending through the mounting plate (3), into which the coupling device (10) is inserted in a mounted state. Furthermore, the drum (7) can be operatively connected to the mounting plate (3) and/or the coupling device (10) in at least one circumferential position, such that, in the mounted state, it projects from a rear side (5) of the mounting plate (3) in an axial direction.