Integrated Fiber Optic Fan-Out Connector Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic fan-out systems require multiple housing components and feed cables, making them complex and difficult to install and adapt for various applications, particularly in fiber-to-the-antenna (FTTA) systems where remote radio units need to be connected to base transceiver stations.
Innovation Solution
A simplified fan-out connector unit with a disc-shaped member and key slot/key configuration, allowing for plug-and-play functionality with a main feeder cable and adaptable to regular cable glands, eliminating the need for additional housing components and direct feed cables, featuring a housing with a cavity and pigtail cable segments for easy connection of optical fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fan-out systems use multiple housing components and feed cables, then the system can provide stable fiber optic connections, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fan-out block and adapter housing into a single integrated housing structure. The housing includes a body with a cavity that receives both the fan-out member and adapter components, eliminating the need for separate housing parts. This integration maintains connection stability while reducing device complexity and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, houses the fan-out mechanism, contains the adapter, and interfaces with both the feeder cable and individual fiber cables. This universal design reduces the number of specialized components needed while maintaining reliable connections.
2Reliability
If conventional fan-out systems use multiple housing components and feed cables, then the system can provide stable fiber optic connections, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter and fan-out member are pre-assembled within the integrated housing as a factory-built unit. The housing is designed with pre-configured cable access points and internal structures that guide cable installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates complex field assembly steps and reduces installation time while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the adapter and fan-out block into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps during installation. The unified structure requires fewer alignment operations and connection steps compared to assembling separate housing components, thereby reducing installation time without compromising connection stability.
3Reliability
If conventional fan-out systems use dedicated housing with direct feed cable input, then the system can provide stable connections, but the adaptability to different cable types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The housing includes a cable access structure with a cable opening and retaining member that can accommodate different cable types and configurations. The adapter within the housing is designed to interface with various cable connectors, enabling the same housing to adapt to different cable types while maintaining stable connections through standardized internal mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable access mechanism includes movable or adjustable components such as the retaining member that can be positioned to secure different cable types. The housing structure allows for flexible cable routing and positioning, enabling adaptation to various cable configurations while maintaining reliable connections through consistent internal mounting points.
4Ease of operation
If simplified fan-out connector unit is used with integrated housing, then the installation becomes easier and faster, but the number of housing components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adapter housing and fan-out block into a single integrated housing unit, reducing the total number of components from multiple separate parts to one unified structure. This integration simplifies installation by eliminating the need to assemble multiple housing components, while the internal structure maintains all necessary functional elements for stable fiber optic connections.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
An integral fan-out connector assembly for fiber optic cables includes a connector housing that provides an integrated fan-out housing and connection adapter. The fan-out connector housing may be configured with a variety of cable adapters, and may be installed as a 'plug and play' type solution where it will be ready to accept a feed cable for use when needed.