Dense Optical Termination Cassette With Goose-Neck Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structured fiber optic cabling systems face challenges in achieving high density of connections while maintaining usability and compliance with standards, particularly in space-constrained data centers and buildings, where flexibility and modularity are essential.
Innovation Solution
The development of an optical-connector shelf assembly with a fiber-optic enclosure and multiple trays supporting adapter cassettes, featuring a goose-neck section and modular design, allowing for high-density fiber optic connections using SC, LC, and MPO adapters, enabling efficient termination and patching with pre-terminated or spliced configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional structured cabling systems are used, then connectivity is provided, but density of connections is limited and space efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular adapter cassettes that can be independently configured and stacked on trays. Each cassette contains a specific number of adapters (e.g., 8, 12, or 24 ports) and can be selectively positioned to optimize space utilization while achieving high connection density in limited rack unit space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking of adapter cassettes on multiple trays within a rack enclosure, transitioning from horizontal placement to vertical arrangement. This three-dimensional configuration allows multiple layers of adapters to be stacked without increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby dramatically increasing connection density per unit of rack space.
2Quantity of substance
If high density connections are implemented, then port density increases, but flexibility and usability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamically reconfigurable adapter cassettes that can be added, removed, or repositioned on trays as needed. This modular approach allows the cabling system to adapt to changing connectivity requirements without requiring complete system reconfiguration, thereby maintaining ease of operation and flexibility while achieving high port density.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter cassettes are designed with universal compatibility across multiple connector types (e.g., LC, SC, ST, MPO) and can be mixed and matched on the same trays. This multi-functionality allows a single rack enclosure to support diverse fiber optic connection requirements while maintaining a compact, high-density configuration that preserves operational flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular adapter cassettes are used, then flexibility and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cabling system into standardized, pre-configured adapter cassettes, the patent reduces overall system complexity. Each cassette is a self-contained module with fixed adapter arrangements, simplifying installation, maintenance, and reconfiguration compared to custom-built dense configurations. The modular nature allows complex high-density arrangements to be achieved through simple stacking of identical or similar modules.
Data Source
AI summary
With respect to fiber optic structured cabling, dense optical termination and patching platforms, systems, and methods herein involve using an optical-connector adapter cassette that has double rows of adapters on a front portion and at least one goose-neck portion that transitions to a single row of adapters on a rear portion. The double rows of adapters may have virtually no geometry between them. Two cassettes may be cantilevered at the front of a fiber-optic enclosure. The systems includes other aspects.