Internal Rotating Spool Fiber Distribution Terminal Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Fiber Distribution Terminals (FDTs) face challenges in determining the required length of input fiber cable, leading to issues with excess cable storage and routing, which can result in bend loss and damage, especially during installation when the FDT's location needs to be adjusted to accommodate the available fiber cable length.
Innovation Solution
A fiber distribution terminal with an environmentally sealed enclosure featuring an internal spool for housing input fiber cables, an adapter pack for secure connections, and an adapter plate for safe routing of cables, along with a spool lock that allows cable routing from either side, enabling convenient storage and secure routing of fiber cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If an external spool of fiber cable is used, then fiber cable storage is enabled, but the FDT enclosure cannot be affixed to its permanent location because the enclosure must rotate with the external spool
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is moved from an external position to an internal position within the FDT enclosure. The spool is nested inside the sealed enclosure, allowing the enclosure to remain stationary and affixed to its permanent location while the spool rotates internally to pay out or wind in fiber cable as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable management system with guides and tension members acts as an intermediary between the internal spool and the external fiber cable routing. This intermediary system manages the cable path internally, allowing the spool to rotate independently without requiring the entire enclosure to rotate.
2Productivity
If fiber cable length is approximated before installation, then installation can proceed, but excess cable creates unwanted bends and bend loss
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is pre-loaded with the required length of fiber cable before the FDT is installed. This preliminary action allows the installer to simply pay out the needed length during installation without having to approximate and cut cable beforehand, eliminating both the need for premature cable preparation and the problem of excess cable creating bends.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal spool system allows the fiber cable to be paid out and routed as needed during installation, with the cable naturally feeding from the spool through internal guides. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for pre-cutting or pre-positioning cable, allowing installation to proceed at optimal speed while maintaining proper cable tension and routing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the FDT is relocated to accommodate fiber cable length, then cable routing is possible, but the FDT may be placed in an undesirable location
Solution Approach 1:
The spool is designed to rotate dynamically to pay out or wind in fiber cable as needed. This dynamic capability allows the FDT to be affixed to its optimal permanent location without relocation, as the spool can accommodate variations in cable length requirements by rotating to pay out the appropriate amount of cable.
4Ease of operation
If fiber cables are routed through the enclosure, then connections are made, but inadvertent bends and bend loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
Internal cable guides, tension members, and routing channels act as intermediaries to manage the fiber cable path within the enclosure. These intermediaries ensure that cables are routed through proper pathways with adequate bend radii, preventing inadvertent bends and maintaining signal strength while still allowing easy cable routing and connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber distribution terminal having an environmentally sealed enclosure. A spool contained in the enclosure is a spool for housing input fiber cable. The spool is capable of rotation within the housing. An adapter pack and an adapter plate are contained in the enclosure. The adapter pack insures that the connections between fibers of the input fiber cable and fibers of the output fiber cable are secure and organized. The adapter plate guides the routing of both the input and output fiber cables internal to the enclosure. The fiber distribution terminal also includes a spool lock as part of the internal components of the enclosure. The spool lock is engaged to direct the cable routing to a first side or a second side of the fiber distribution terminal.