Modular Optical Panel Arrangements for Dense Fiber Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved termination panels with enhanced access and cable management for installation, maintenance, repair, and upgrade procedures, particularly in high-density optical circuit environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical modules with demateable connection interfaces and wave division multiplexers that enable high-density fiber connections, along with modular designs and routing guides for efficient cable management within a chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If circuit densities of termination panels are increased to meet demand for greater telecommunication services, then the quantity of fiber connections per unit space increases, but access and cable management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The termination panel system is divided into multiple modular optical modules, each handling a specific subset of fiber connections. Each module contains its own adapters and can be independently accessed, allowing technicians to work on specific sections without disrupting the entire panel. This segmentation maintains high density while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of optical adapters and fiber routing channels within each module. By organizing adapters in stacked configurations and providing dedicated cable management spaces, the system achieves high connection density without compromising cable accessibility or management ease.
2Quantity of substance
If more fiber connections are provided within limited rack space, then space utilization improves, but installation and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each optical module is designed as a self-contained unit with a standardized number of adapters (e.g., 8, 12, or 24 adapters per module). This segmentation allows for simplified installation where modules can be pre-configured and then easily installed as complete units, reducing on-site complexity while achieving high overall density through multiple modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal adapter types and standardized mounting interfaces across all modules. This universality allows the same installation and maintenance procedures to be applied regardless of which specific module is being worked on, reducing procedural complexity despite the large number of connections.
3Quantity of substance
If high-density fiber connections are implemented, then connectivity capacity increases, but cable organization and routing become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Each optical module provides dedicated cable management spaces and routing channels that are isolated from other modules. This segmentation confines cable organization challenges to individual module level, making them more manageable while achieving high overall connection density through the collective arrangement of multiple modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates intermediate cable management components within each module, such as cable guides, routing channels, and management arms, that act as intermediaries between the fiber connections and the external cable infrastructure. These intermediaries organize and direct cables systematically, reducing routing complexity despite high connection density.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides increased fiber connectivity within limited rack space, improves installation and maintenance efficiency, and enhances cable organization, addressing the challenges of high-density termination panels.
Implementation Method 1
a wave division multiplexer (WDM) may split optical signals received at the input onto the outputs by wavelength
Data Source
AI summary
A panel arrangement provides at least 288 output fiber connections within 1 rack unit (RU). The panel arrangement includes modules mounted within a chassis. Each module carries a plurality of optical adapters, which each define multiple de-mateable connection interface locations. In certain examples, each connection interface location enables a connection between multiple pairs of optical fibers. A WDM or other optical circuitry may be provided within the module to optically couple an input connection interface location to output connection interface locations.