Modular Fiber Optic Terminal Enclosure for Deferred Cost

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Fiber optic communication systems face challenges in modular configurations that allow for easy upgrades, expansions, and adaptations to changing field requirements, particularly in deferring costs until subscriber connections are established, while maintaining rapid connectivity and compatibility with various connector styles and designs.

Innovation Solution

A modular system with a terminal housing and interchangeable inserts, including ruggedized ports and cable sealing arrangements, allows for customizable port configurations, delayed deployment of fiber optic adapter components, and compatibility with new connector styles, enabling flexible and cost-effective network expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fiber optic enclosures are designed with fixed configurations, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but adaptability to changing field requirements and subscriber connections is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changing field requirementsVSAvoidenclosure configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is divided into modular components including removable inserts, interchangeable faceplates, and separable housing sections. Each module can be independently configured and replaced to adapt to different field requirements without redesigning the entire enclosure system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure configuration is made dynamic through removable and interchangeable components that can be added, removed, or swapped in the field. This allows the enclosure to adapt its functionality based on actual subscriber connections and network requirements rather than being fixed at manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If all fiber optic adapter components are deployed upfront, then network connectivity is ensured, but costs cannot be deferred until subscriber connections are established

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost deferral capabilityVSAvoidnetwork connectivity assurance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is pre-configured with modular components and interfaces ready for future connections, but the actual fiber optic adapter components are only deployed when needed. This preliminary preparation allows rapid deployment when subscribers connect while avoiding unnecessary upfront costs for unused capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Optional or future-use adapter components are extracted from the main enclosure body and placed in removable inserts or separate modules. These can be installed only when corresponding subscriber connections are established, allowing cost deferral while maintaining the ability to provide connectivity when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the enclosure is designed as a single integrated unit, then manufacturing is simplified, but upgrades and modifications require accessing the interior of the enclosure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenclosure manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfield upgrade accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is segmented into modular sections including removable inserts, interchangeable faceplates, and separable housing components. This modular design maintains manufacturing efficiency through standardized parts while enabling field upgrades by allowing external access to and replacement of specific modules without opening the entire enclosure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Smaller functional modules and inserts are nested within the main enclosure body, allowing them to be independently handled and replaced. The nested modular components can be upgraded or modified by simply removing and replacing the specific module rather than accessing the entire enclosure interior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If modular components are made interchangeable, then adaptability and customization are improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable port configurationsVSAvoidmodular component variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal interface standard is implemented across all modular components including inserts, faceplates, and housing sections. This universal design allows different modules to be interchangeably assembled to create customized configurations while maintaining consistent assembly procedures and reducing the complexity of managing multiple specialized connection types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240219672A1Terminal enclosure with modular aspects and modules for interfacing with the terminal enclosure

Publication Date: 2024.07.04 COMMSCOPE CONNECTIVITY BELGIUM BVBA

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a modular fiber optic distribution system for enhancing installation flexibility and for facilitating adding components to a terminal housing over time so as to delay cost. The system is configured to allow components (e.g., inserts, add-on modules, etc.) to be readily added to the terminal housing over time to expand capacity, provide upgrades and to provide forward and backward compatibility.