Modular Telecommunications Enclosure for Fiber Cable Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passive optical networks face challenges in efficiently extending fiber optic services to new areas due to limitations in modular and protective enclosures for optical fiber connections, splices, and splitters, which affect network reliability and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications enclosure with modular elements, such as splitter modules and storage trays, that allow for secure, flexible, and expandable fiber optic connections, including pivotable covers, anchoring systems, and cable management features to accommodate fiber growth and separate feeder and branch cables, enhancing network reliability and ease of maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional non-modular enclosures are used for fiber optic connections, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability and ease of maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into modular components including removable trays, separable compartments for different fiber types, and independent access points. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different configuration needs while maintaining overall structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular trays and compartments are designed to perform multiple functions - accommodating different fiber types (feeder, branch, distribution), providing splice protection, enabling cable management, and facilitating maintenance access. This multi-functionality increases adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If fiber optic services are extended to new areas, then network coverage is improved, but network complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure provides segregated compartments for different fiber categories (feeder fibers in one section, branch fibers in another, distribution fibers in a third). This segmentation simplifies network extension by allowing independent management of each fiber type, enabling productivity improvement without proportional complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular trays act as intermediaries between the fixed enclosure structure and the variable fiber connections. These trays can be easily installed, removed, and reconfigured, serving as a flexible interface that simplifies network extension while containing complexity within standardized components.
3Ease of repair
If modular components are added to the enclosure, then ease of maintenance and adaptability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure features removable trays and separable compartments that can be independently accessed and maintained. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to service specific components without disassembling the entire system, improving ease of repair while the modular design keeps complexity manageable through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Problematic or failed components such as splice trays, connectors, or cable management elements can be individually extracted from the enclosure for repair or replacement. This extraction capability significantly improves maintenance ease while the standardized extraction interfaces prevent complexity from escalating.
4Reliability
If cable management features are added to separate feeder and branch cables, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure provides dedicated segregated compartments and routing channels for feeder cables and branch cables. This physical segmentation prevents cable confusion and connection errors, improving reliability while the standardized compartment design keeps the added complexity predictable and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the enclosure are designed with specific local qualities - feeder cable sections have particular routing characteristics, branch cable sections have different organization patterns, and distribution areas have specialized access points. This local optimization improves connection reliability without requiring complete system redesign, limiting complexity increases.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber optic module includes a housing having a first major surface and an opposite second major surface. The module includes an input configured to receive at least one module input fiber. The module includes at least one connectorized pigtail output routed from the housing. The pigtail output is configured to carry a signal from at the at least one module input fiber entering the housing via the input. The module further includes at least one connector storage feature disposed on the first major surface of the housing. The connector storage feature is configured to receive and store the connectorized pigtail output.