Modular Splice Housing with Ball and Socket Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
The bulkiness of multiple optical fiber splices from a single cable creates maneuverability and protection challenges, especially when splicing a large number of fibers, as each splice requires a protective element, leading to an unwieldy mass that is difficult to handle and protect.
Innovation Solution
A splice housing assembly with modular design, featuring ball and socket joints for flexibility and adjustable fiber lengths, allowing splices to be longitudinally staggered along the fibers, and using modules with internal channels and resilient arms to accommodate splices and protect fibers, while maintaining a compact and flexible structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple optical fiber splices are performed from a single cable, then the number of fiber connections is improved, but the bulk and maneuverability deteriorate due to cumulative protective elements
Solution Approach 1:
The splice housing assembly is divided into multiple modular sections, each accommodating a subset of fiber splices. This segmentation allows the large number of splices to be distributed across multiple compact modules rather than concentrated in one bulky assembly, improving maneuverability while maintaining the ability to connect many fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs longitudinal staggering of splices along the axial lengths of fibers, transitioning from a planar arrangement to a three-dimensional distributed arrangement. This dimensional change allows splices to be arranged along the length of the assembly rather than clustered in a single plane, reducing bulk and improving handling.
2Reliability
If each splice is protected with a protective element, then the reliability of individual splices is improved, but the overall bulk and difficulty of protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual protective elements for separate splices are merged into a single integrated splice housing assembly that encloses multiple splices. This combining approach maintains protective functionality for each splice while eliminating the cumulative bulk of separate protective elements, making the overall structure more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple splices within a hierarchical structure where individual splices are contained within modular sections that are themselves contained within the overall splice housing assembly. This nested arrangement allows each splice to have its own protective space while the entire assembly maintains a compact form factor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with ball and socket joints is used, then the flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball and socket joints are designed as universal connectors that can accommodate various module configurations and orientations. This universal design allows the same joint mechanism to serve multiple functions in different contexts, providing flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates movable and adjustable components, including ball and socket joints that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the modular sections. This dynamic capability enables the assembly to adapt to different installation requirements while the modular nature keeps individual components simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
Splice housings for distributing large numbers of optical fiber splices. In some examples, the splice housings can be pivoted relative to each other. In some examples, the splice housings include flexible splice holders configured to hold multiple splices for a first subset of optical fibers while allowing passage of a second subset of optical fibers through the splice holder.