Fiber Tap Optical Cross Connect Terminal Closure Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic cross connect terminals lack a versatile and efficient arrangement for connecting optical cable assemblies to drop cables, particularly in environments where angular port configurations are not desired, and there is a need for simplified installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A re-enterable fiber optic closure assembly with a base and housing that includes a sloping cover design, allowing for parallel orientation of drop cables with the incoming optical cable, and featuring a seal for moisture protection, modular connector ports, and easy access for secure fiber connections, suitable for various environments including aerial, duct, and direct bury installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If outlet ports are arranged at an angle relative to the input cable assembly, then ease of connecting drop cables is improved, but adaptability to different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing design allows the outlet ports to be oriented in multiple configurations (angular or parallel) depending on the specific application requirements, making the system dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed in a single orientation
2Ease of operation
If a traditional angular port configuration is used, then ease of connecting drop cables is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a base and a cover portion that can be separately assembled, allowing for simplified manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the ability to provide different port configurations without increasing overall device complexity
3Ease of repair
If the housing is designed for re-entry and maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a removable cover portion and a base, allowing technicians to easily open and access the interior for splicing and maintenance operations without requiring to disassemble the entire device, thus improving ease of repair while keeping the structural complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The housing design allows for easy re-entry by service personnel to perform maintenance, splicing, and reconfiguration operations without requiring specialized tools or complex disassembly procedures, enabling self-service level maintenance
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic closure assembly includes a base having an opening for receiving an incoming fiber optic cable along a longitudinal axis. A perimeter shoulder extending outwardly from a substantially planar surface of the base. A housing is dimensioned for receipt on the base and has a cover that when joined to the base encloses a cavity. The housing includes a substantially planar wall with at least one opening therethrough parallel to the longitudinal axis and through which an associated bulkhead may be mounted to provide operative communication between an optical fiber operatively connected to the incoming fiber optic cable and an outgoing drop line.