Modular Optical Terminal With Asymmetric Power Splitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of passive optical network splitters with unused ports is inefficient, as they are initially installed with more ports than needed, leading to underutilization and increased deployment costs, which are not aligned with actual service demand.
Innovation Solution
A modular terminal structure that allows optical ports to be added sequentially as demand increases, using a base module and expandable modules with asymmetric power splitters, enabling plug-and-play connections to efficiently match port capacity with subscriber needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a splitter with more ports than initially needed is deployed, then future expansion capacity is improved, but deployment costs and resource allocation efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal is divided into multiple modular units that can be independently deployed and connected. Initially, only the base module is installed, and additional modules are added later as subscribers are activated, avoiding the need to deploy a large splitter with unused ports from the beginning.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal configuration is made dynamic and adaptable rather than static. The system can be reconfigured by adding or removing modules based on actual subscriber demand, allowing the network to evolve from a small initial deployment to a larger capacity terminal as needed.
2Productivity
If a modular sequential assembly structure is used, then resource allocation efficiency and cost deferral are improved, but device complexity and installation procedures worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Each module in the sequential assembly is designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms. The plug-and-play design allows modules to be interconnected through standardized ports, simplifying the installation process despite the modular complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular terminal system is designed to be easily assembled and configured by technicians or even end users through simple plug-and-play connections, reducing the need for complex professional installation procedures and enabling self-service deployment.
3Reliability
If initial terminal capacity is increased to meet future demand, then service availability is improved, but infrastructure cost and underutilization worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The base module is pre-installed at the terminal location, establishing the foundational infrastructure in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the basic service capability is available immediately, while additional capacity is added later as subscribers are activated, avoiding the need to pre-deploy excessive infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Additional terminal modules are nested or connected to the base module, creating a scalable infrastructure where smaller units are added to the existing structure. This allows the system to grow organically from a small initial deployment to meet future demand without requiring a complete redesign or large initial investment.
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
This approach defers deployment costs until service activation, allowing the network to scale dynamically with demand, optimizing resource allocation and reducing initial infrastructure expenses.
Implementation Method 1
an asymmetric power splitter within the module housing adapted for tapping optical power from an optical signal transmitted through the terminal and for outputting a tapped portion of the optical signal through the optical output port
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal includes modules adapted to be sequentially assembled together in a serial chain to build the terminal. At least some of the modules each include a module housing, a ruggedized optical output port provided on the module housing, a plug and play input connection location, a plug and play expansion connection location provided on the module housing, and an asymmetric power splitter within the module housing for splitting optical power from the plug and play input location asymmetrically between the ruggedized optical output port and the plug and play expansion connection location. The plug and play input connection locations and the plug and play expansion connection locations of adjacent modules in the serial chain are adapted to mate with respect to one another.