Interlocking Fiber Optic Splitter Module for Dense Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic splitter modules lack space-efficient mounting solutions, leading to complex and disordered arrangements in terminals due to unique footprints and mounting requirements, which complicates installation and management in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fiber optic splitter module with interlocking features such as tongues and grooves, and detents, allowing for stacking and efficient installation within terminals, enabling higher density configurations and organized layouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional splitter modules are mounted using hooks, screws, or other fasteners with unique footprints, then each module can be securely mounted, but the arrangement becomes complex and disordered, reducing space efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized mounting interface that all splitter modules share. The mounting features (protrusions and recesses) are identical across different modules, allowing them to be mounted using the same method and orientation. This eliminates the need for unique mounting hardware for each module, simplifies the arrangement process, and maximizes space utilization in the terminal.
2Reliability
If splitter modules are arranged with unique positioning and orientation for each module, then each module can be properly mounted, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting system into standardized modular components. Each splitter module has identical mounting features that segment the installation process into repetitive, simple steps. This allows technicians to install multiple modules using the same procedure without needing to determine unique positioning for each one, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining reliability.
3Quantity of substance
If the terminal size is increased to accommodate more splitter modules, then more modules can be installed, but the equipment becomes more obtrusive and organization is not improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by organizing splitter modules in a vertical stacking arrangement rather than spreading them out horizontally. The standardized mounting interface enables modules to be stacked one on top of another, utilizing the vertical dimension of the terminal. This allows a greater number of modules to be accommodated within the same terminal footprint, increasing density without expanding the overall equipment size.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic splitter module includes a body including a front wall, a rear wall, and first and second side walls together at least partially defining an interior space. The first side wall includes a tongue extending longitudinally along the first side wall, and the second side wall includes a first groove that is complementary to the tongue. The fiber optic splitter module also includes an optical splitter positioned in the interior space, an input fiber extending through the front wall or the rear wall into the interior space and optically coupled to the optical splitter, and a plurality of output fibers extending through the front wall or the rear wall into the interior space and optically coupled to the optical splitter.