Oblong Fiber Optic Splice Tray With Nested Spool Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic splice closures face inefficiencies in maximizing the number of splices per unit volume due to limited space utilization in traditional splice trays, which restricts the capacity for fiber organization and routing.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of oblong-shaped fiber optic splice trays with multiple spool structures and bend radius limiters that allow for overlapping fiber loops, enabling increased space efficiency by supporting multiple splice circuits on a single tray while maintaining minimum bend radii to prevent fiber damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional splice trays are used, then fiber organization is maintained, but the number of splices per unit volume is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional circular spool structures to oblong-shaped spool structures with elongated major axes. This dimensional change allows fiber loops to be arranged more efficiently in space, enabling overlapping loops from adjacent spools to coexist without excessive separation, thereby increasing the number of splices that can be accommodated within the same closure volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The oblong spool structures are positioned and sized such that fiber loops from adjacent spools overlap and nest within each other's spatial envelope. This nesting arrangement allows multiple fiber bundles to share the same physical space more efficiently, maximizing the utilization of closure volume for fiber organization and splicing operations.
2Volume of stationary object
If multiple fiber circuits are routed on a single tray, then space efficiency increases, but fiber bend radius control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The oblong spool structures incorporate localized bend radius control features at critical positions where fibers transition between spools or enter/exit the tray. These localized structural elements ensure that even with multiple overlapping circuits, the minimum bend radius requirements are maintained at each specific location, preventing fiber damage while enabling dense routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric oblong shape of the spool structures, with distinct major and minor axes, allows for optimized fiber routing paths that naturally maintain appropriate bend radii. The elongated major axis provides sufficient clearance for fiber loops to form without excessive bending, while the compact minor axis dimension allows close spacing of adjacent spools without compromising fiber integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber optic trays adapted to increase fiber splicing/connecting and fiber organizing capacity on the tray. The trays can include multiple splice circuits, each splice circuit including a splice holder area or a connector holder area having a plurality of splice holders or connector holders, and a at least one fiber organizing structure such as a spool structure.