Hermetic Splice Closure Layout for Congested Fiber Splitter Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic splice closures are congested and costly due to the incorporation of optical filters and WDM devices, leading to increased space requirements and assembly challenges in Outside Plant (OSP) locations, with existing solutions failing to provide reduced defects, errors, and improved impact resistance.
Innovation Solution
A splice closure apparatus with a hermetically sealed housing integrating a signal splitter device, such as a PLC or WDM, is assembled in a controlled environment, featuring a mount plate and splice tray, allowing for compact and robust fiber optic connections sealed against environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical filters and WDM devices are incorporated into existing splice closures, then bandwidth and available pathways are improved, but device complexity and congestion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the splice closure into separate functional modules: a first splice closure for fiber splicing and a second splice closure for optical filter/WDM device housing. This segmentation eliminates congestion in the first closure while maintaining bandwidth capabilities through the second closure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple cables and branch splices are assembled in the field, then connectivity is achieved, but assembly complexity and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention pre-assembles the second splice closure with the optical filter and WDM device in a controlled factory environment before field deployment. This preliminary action eliminates complex field assembly requirements while maintaining connectivity functionality, reducing assembly complexity and errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a pre-fabricated second splice closure module as an intermediary component that simplifies field assembly. Instead of assembling multiple complex components in the field, technicians only need to connect the pre-assembled module, significantly reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connectivity.
3Area of stationary object
If auxiliary closures are stubbed with short fiber sections, then space for optical filters is provided, but cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the optical filter and WDM device into a single integrated second splice closure housing. This consolidation eliminates the need for auxiliary closures and short fiber section stubbing, reducing both the number of components and installation complexity while providing sufficient space for the optical devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
A splice closure apparatus and a fiber optic distribution network are provided. The splice closure apparatus includes a housing forming a plenum and an opening. A mount plate is affixed in the plenum within the housing, A signal splitter device is affixed to the mount plate. A fiber optic cable stub is extended through the opening of the housing. The cable stub includes an input optical fiber operably connected to the signal splitter device. The cable stub includes an output optical fiber operably connected to the signal splitter device.