Hinged Connectorized Midplane for Faster Fiber Splicing Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic cable installations and repairs in MDUs are complex and time-intensive due to the variety of cables, signal paths, and connection types, requiring clear distinction between first and second-day installation tasks.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic assembly with a midplane that separates installation areas, includes a hinge for transitioning between open and closed positions, and provides dedicated patch fields and splice locations, allowing for separate functional spaces and simplified fiber routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a midplane is added to separate installation areas, then task segregation and installation efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic assembly is segmented into distinct functional areas by the midplane, which divides the housing into a first portion for cable entry and splicing, and a second portion for patch connections. This segmentation allows first-day installers to work on cable routing and splicing while second-day installers handle patch connections, improving installation efficiency through task segregation.
2Ease of operation
If a hinge mechanism is added to enable midplane transition, then accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The midplane is made dynamic through the hinge mechanism, allowing it to transition between a closed position (providing protection and organization) and an open position (providing accessibility for installation and maintenance). The hinge enables the midplane to be opened to access cable ports, strain reliefs, and splice areas, then closed to protect these components.
3Device complexity
If multiple functional areas are separated, then fiber routing complexity is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the fiber optic assembly are assigned specific functions with optimized characteristics. The first portion of the midplane includes cable ports and strain reliefs for external cable management, while the second portion includes patch panels and adapters for internal fiber connections. This local specialization simplifies fiber routing within each functional area.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic assembly is provided including a base configured to be mounted to a surface, a sidewall extending from the base, a cover configured to engage the sidewall to enclose a portion of the fiber optic assembly, a midplane separating a first portion of the fiber optic assembly from a second portion of the fiber optic assembly, and a hinge disposed between the midplane and the sidewall, which enables the midplane to transition between an open position and a closed position. The midplane includes a plurality of adapters disposed through the midplane from a first side to a second side and a plurality of splice holders disposed on the second side configured to retain at least one fiber optic splice connection between an optical fiber of an input cable and an adapter of the plurality of adapters.