Modular Fiber Optic Terminal With Movable Chassis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic terminals lack features and design for efficient deployment of all-fiber access networks, particularly for broadband service providers, as they are not modular or variably configurable, limiting their adaptability and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A modular and variably configurable fiber optic terminal with a movable chassis that allows for easy reconfiguration of splitter modules and cassettes, enabling flexible optical connections and management of optical fibers, and can be mounted in various environments without modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current fiber optic terminals are used, then basic optical signal distribution is achieved, but adaptability and scalability are limited due to lack of modular design
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic terminal is divided into modular components including a movable chassis, splitter modules, cassettes, and functional cards that can be independently configured and repositioned. This segmentation enables the system to be adapted to different network requirements without redesigning the entire terminal, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal incorporates a movable chassis that can be repositioned within the enclosure, and splitter modules that can be moved between different positions. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the terminal to adapt to changing network demands while maintaining a standardized base design, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing design complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fiber optic terminals are made modular and variably configurable, then adaptability and scalability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal design uses universal mounting structures, standardized cassettes, and interchangeable functional cards that can serve multiple purposes. For example, the same chassis structure supports different splitter configurations, and cassettes can accommodate various optical components. This universality enables scalability while keeping configuration complexity manageable through standardization.
3Ease of operation
If a movable chassis is added for reconfiguration, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable chassis is nested within the terminal enclosure, allowing it to move freely for reconfiguration while being contained and protected when in use. This nesting approach enables easy operation for reconfiguration without adding significant mechanical complexity, as the chassis utilizes the existing enclosure space and mounting structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A variably configurable fiber optic terminal as a local convergence point in a fiber optic network is disclosed. The fiber optic terminal has an enclosure having a base and a cover which define an interior space. A feeder cable having at least one optical fiber and a distribution cable having at least one optical fiber are received into the interior space through a feeder cable port and a distribution cable port, respectively. A movable chassis positions in the interior space and is movable between a first position, a second position and third position. The movable chassis has a splitter holder area, a cassette area and a parking area. A cassette movably positions in the cassette area. A splitter module holder having a splitter module movably positioned therein movably positions in the splitter holder area. The optical fiber of the feeder cable and the optical fiber of the distribution cable are optically connected through the cassette, which also may be through the splitter module. In such case, the optical fiber of the feeder cable optically connects to an input optical fiber to the slitter module, where the optical signal is split into a plurality of output optical fibers. One of the plurality of output optical fibers connects to the optical fiber of the distribution cable for distribution towards a subscriber premises. The interior space is variably configurable by changeably positioning the cassette and splitter modules in the movable chassis.