Modular Spool Packaging for Rapid Fiber Optic Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for effective packaging arrangements that can manage varying lengths of fiber optic cables for deployment, storage, and transport, particularly in telecommunications networks, while utilizing cost-effective and recyclable materials.
Innovation Solution
A modular deployment packaging arrangement featuring rotatable spools with flanges that include storage compartments for pre-terminated cable ends and a snap-fit carrier system for simultaneous pulling of multiple cable termination elements, allowing for efficient winding and unwinding of cables and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional packaging arrangements are used for fiber optic cables, then cable storage and transport are possible, but deployment speed is slow and varying cable lengths cannot be efficiently managed
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging arrangement is divided into multiple independent spools, each capable of holding different cable lengths. Each spool can be independently rotated and managed, allowing flexible deployment of varying cable lengths without requiring a complete repackaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spools are designed to be independently rotatable, enabling dynamic adjustment during deployment. The flanges with hollow portions allow for quick insertion and removal of termination elements, providing dynamic adaptability during the deployment process to maintain high productivity.
2Loss of time
If multiple cable termination elements are deployed sequentially, then deployment is possible, but deployment time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cable termination elements are combined into a single integrated packaging arrangement with multiple spools. The flanges with hollow portions allow multiple termination elements to be inserted and secured simultaneously, enabling parallel deployment operations that significantly reduce total deployment time while maintaining operational simplicity through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The termination elements are pre-positioned in the hollow portions of the flanges before deployment begins. This preliminary preparation allows all termination elements to be ready for simultaneous insertion and securing, eliminating sequential operations and reducing deployment time without complicating the operational process.
3Ease of manufacture
If cost-effective and recyclable materials are used for packaging, then material cost is reduced, but structural integrity for cable protection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging arrangement uses composite construction with a rigid core structure for structural integrity and protective flanges, combined with recyclable outer materials for the spool bodies and packaging components. This composite approach maintains the necessary strength and protection for cable handling while incorporating cost-effective and recyclable materials, balancing reliability with ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A packaging arrangement for telecommunications cabling is disclosed herein. The packaging arrangement includes a modular spool assembly defined by a first flange, an opposing second flange, and a spool hub separating the first flange from the second flange, wherein a telecommunications cable may be wound between the first and second flanges. Each flange defines a first cable contact side, a second cable-end storage side, and an opening allowing the telecommunications cable to pass from the first side to the second side, the second side defining a storage compartment for storing an end of the telecommunications cable passing through the opening in the flange.