FTTA Distribution Box Hybrid Connector Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distribution boxes for FTTA systems are not easily field-installable and do not effectively withstand environmental conditions, nor can they be easily upgraded without replacing hybrid cables, and they often require proprietary connectors.
Innovation Solution
A distribution box with separate upper and lower compartments, where pre-terminated hybrid cables are connected to hybrid connectors within the lower compartment, eliminating the need for proprietary connectors, and featuring a design that protects against environmental factors with angled connection points and a sealable entry point, allowing for easy installation and future upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate power and fiber optic connectors are mounted at the outside of the box, then connection capability is provided, but device complexity increases and proprietary connectors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate power connectors and fiber optic connectors into a single integrated hybrid connector assembly. The hybrid connector receives both power conductors and optical fibers through one unified interface, eliminating the need for multiple external connectors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid connector is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it accommodates both electrical power transmission and optical signal transmission through a single connector interface. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate proprietary connectors, reducing complexity while preserving adaptability.
2Loss of time
If hybrid cables are pre-terminated with connectors, then installation time is reduced, but adaptability for future upgrades is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution box is divided into separate functional compartments: a first compartment for power connections and a second compartment for optical fiber connections. This segmentation allows pre-terminated hybrid cables to be quickly installed while enabling independent access and modification of either power or optical components for future upgrades without affecting the other system.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector configuration is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable. The hybrid connectors and internal wiring are arranged to allow future changes in connectivity patterns, enabling the system to adapt to different network configurations and upgrade requirements while maintaining the speed advantage of pre-terminated cables.
3Ease of operation
If distribution boxes are installed at the top of the tower, then signal distribution is achieved, but resistance to environmental factors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution box incorporates enhanced environmental protection features specifically at vulnerable locations: IP65-rated sealing for the entire enclosure, angled connection points directed away from rain and debris, and protective grommets at cable entry points. These localized quality enhancements protect against environmental factors while maintaining the top-of-tower installation benefits for signal distribution.
4Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary hybrid connectors are used, then connection functionality is provided, but ease of manufacture and field installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid connector is designed as a universal interface that accommodates both power and optical connections through a single standardized component. This universal design eliminates the need for proprietary multi-component connector assemblies, simplifying both manufacturing processes and field installation procedures while maintaining full connection functionality.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
Distribution box (10) for Fiber To The Antenna (FTTA) systems comprising: an upper compartment (11) and a lower compartment (12) separated one from one another, the lower compartment (12) being provided with a sealable entry point (17) for a pre-terminated hybrid cable comprising at least one electric conductor and at least one optical fiber, a plurality of electrical connectors (21) for electrical power conductors and at least one optical connector (22) for optical fiber being arranged within the lower compartment (12), the upper compartment (11) comprising one or more connection points (23) for hybrid jumper cables.