Movable Optical Connector Modules for High-Density Fiber Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber cabinets face reduced accessibility and increased wiring density issues when fiber density is high, requiring space for tray extraction for wiring work.
Innovation Solution
An optical connection assembly with adapter modules and a shaft member that allows relative movement of modules along the shaft, featuring a restriction member that switches between restriction and allowance states, and a shaft member with expandable and contractible inserting holes, enabling high fiber density without needing tray extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If optical fiber wiring density in cabinet is increased, then wiring density of optical fibers is improved, but accessibility to optical fibers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connection assembly is divided into multiple adapter modules, each containing a specific number of holding portions. These modules can be independently accessed and manipulated, allowing operators to work with smaller units rather than the entire dense fiber bundle, thus maintaining accessibility while achieving high overall wiring density.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding portions are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration with parallel disposal in the first direction and stacking in the second direction. This spatial arrangement allows high fiber density to be achieved vertically while maintaining horizontal accessibility through the drawer mechanism, effectively utilizing multiple dimensions to resolve the contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If space for drawing out tray is provided, then accessibility to optical connector is improved, but wiring density of optical fibers in building is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple adapter modules are nested along the shaft member in a compact arrangement. The drawer mechanism allows these nested modules to be extracted sequentially or individually, providing accessibility to specific connectors without requiring large extraction spaces. This nested configuration maximizes space utilization while maintaining operational access.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer mechanism provides dynamic accessibility, allowing the adapter module to be moved from a compact stored position to an extended working position only when needed. This dynamic capability enables high wiring density in the retracted state while providing full accessibility during operation, eliminating the need for permanent large spaces.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple holding portions are disposed in parallel, then fiber capacity is improved, but complexity of adapter module is increased
Solution Approach 1:
Each adapter module uses standardized holding portions with uniform structures that can accommodate multiple optical connectors. This universal design allows the same basic component to serve multiple functions and positions, increasing fiber capacity through replication rather than through complex unique structures, thereby managing complexity while enhancing capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical connection assembly (into which a plurality of optical connectors are inserted) includes: a plurality of adapter modules that include a plurality of holding portions, include an insertion hole into which the optical connector is insertable and in which the inserted optical connector is holdable (the plurality of holding portions are disposed in parallel in a first direction intersecting an insertion direction in which the optical connector is inserted); and a shaft member that extends in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the insertion direction and supports the plurality of adapter modules. The plurality of adapter modules are relatively movable along the shaft member in the second direction. A distance over which the plurality of adapter modules are relatively movable is equal to or greater than a dimension of the insertion hole in the second direction.