Optical Box Segmentation for Fiber Handling Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical access network wall boxes pose a high risk of damaging already connected fibers during the process of connecting new users, especially in façade applications where space is limited, as unused distribution fibers are stored alongside connected ones, making handling critical and prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
An optical box design featuring an outer casing with two detachable plates that allow for independent handling of each user's connection, where the plates are housed side by side within the casing, enabling the connection of new users without disturbing existing fiber deployments, thus minimizing the risk of damage to already connected fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple distribution fibers are stored together in a single wall box, then the space utilization is improved, but the risk of damaging already connected fibers during new user connections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall box is segmented into multiple independent compartments, each housing a separate distribution fiber. This segmentation allows operators to access and handle individual fibers without disturbing others, thereby maintaining high space utilization while eliminating the risk of damaging connected fibers during new user connections.
2Volume of moving object
If the wall box size is reduced for façade applications, then the aesthetic appearance and space requirements are improved, but the ease of handling and protecting fibers during installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the compact wall box into multiple small compartments, each fiber has its own dedicated space. This segmentation maintains the compact overall size for façade applications while providing sufficient space within each compartment for safe and easy fiber handling during installation.
3Ease of operation
If detachable plates are used for each user connection, then the ease of connecting new users without disturbing existing connections is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall box uses detachable plates to segment different user connections into separate modules. Each plate can be independently removed and installed, allowing new users to be connected without disturbing existing connections. The modular design achieves operational simplicity while keeping the overall structure manageable.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is disclosed an optical box for installing an optical access network. The optical box comprises an outer casing comprising a first fixing member for fixing the outer casing to a distribution cable of the optical access network at a mid-span position thereof and two plates detachable from the outer casing. The detachable plates are configured to be completely housed within the outer casing side by side on a same plane parallel to a bottom of the outer casing. Each one of the plates comprises a second fixing member for fixing the plate to an end of a respective drop element of the optical access network. Preferably, the two plates are configured to be aligned along a longitudinal direction of the distribution cable, when the two plates are completely housed side by side within the outer casing and when the outer casing is fixed to the distribution cable.