Flexible Fiber Splice Tray Layout for Single-End Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber splice trays and splitters occupy significant space and require access to both ends for installation and servicing, complicating the management of optical fibers in high-density connections.
Innovation Solution
A flexible substrate optical fiber splitter assembly that routes and secures optical fibers to enter and exit from a single end, utilizing U-turns and controlled bend radii to minimize bending losses, allowing the assembly to be rolled into a compact cylindrical form for easy installation and servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional optical fiber splice trays route input fiber to one end and output fibers to the other end, then fiber connections can be established, but the assembly occupies significant space and requires access to both ends for installation and servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional routing approach by having all fibers (input and output) enter and exit from the same end of the splice tray. This is achieved by routing the input fiber through a U-shaped path along the bottom of the tray, allowing the fiber to reappear at the same end where it entered, thereby consolidating access points and reducing the space required for the assembly.
2Volume of moving object
If optical fibers are bent to achieve compact routing, then space requirements are reduced, but bending losses increase if the bend radius is too small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the bend radius parameter of the optical fibers during routing. By designing the U-shaped path with an optimized radius that maintains it above the minimum bend radius threshold, the system achieves compact routing while preventing excessive bending losses. This parameter optimization allows the fiber to be bent sufficiently for compact arrangement without compromising signal integrity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible optical fiber splice tray assembly and method of manufacture. The method can include securing (1102) an optical fiber splice to a flexible substrate using one or more splice attachment features, wherein the optical fiber splice comprises a first end and a second end, wherein a first optical fiber is coupled to the first end of the optical fiber splice, and wherein a second optical fiber is coupled to a second end of the optical fiber splice. The method includes securing (1104) the second optical fiber to the flexible substrate using one or more of a plurality of fiber attachment features, wherein the plurality of fiber attachment features are configured to limit a bend radius R of the second fiber to result in a predetermined maximum bending loss. The method includes rolling-up and securing (1106) the flexible substrate in a cylinder shape by attaching together two opposite ends of the flexible substrate.