Optical Fiber Accessory With Integrated Loopback Self-Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber network inspection methods require significant manpower and inspection devices, and cannot be performed if the terminal apparatus has not been set up, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber accessory with a seat, multi-core terminal, cover, and loop module that allows self-inspection by simulating data communication through a loopback mechanism, enabling verification of signal quality and performance without needing to connect inspection devices to both ends of the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional inspection methods are used with inspection devices connected to both host and terminal apparatus, then inspection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manpower requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber accessory enables self-inspection by forming a loopback connection within the accessory itself. The loop module creates a closed loop that allows the host to send inspection signals that return through the optical fiber patch cable, enabling the system to inspect itself without requiring separate inspection devices at both ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber accessory integrates multiple functions into a single device: it serves as both a connection device (connecting host to terminal apparatus) and an inspection device (enabling loopback inspection). The multi-core terminal and loop module work together to provide both data communication and inspection capabilities in one accessory.
2Reliability
If traditional inspection methods are used requiring terminal apparatus to be set up, then inspection reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loop module is pre-configured within the optical fiber accessory, allowing loopback inspection to be performed as soon as the optical fiber patch cable is connected to the host. This preliminary inspection can occur before the terminal apparatus is set up, saving time while maintaining reliability through the structured loopback path.
3Productivity
If optical fiber patch cables are installed before terminal apparatus is set up, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-inspection capability allows the system to perform inspection autonomously through the loopback mechanism. After installing the optical fiber patch cable with the accessory, the host can immediately initiate inspection without waiting for terminal apparatus setup or requiring personnel to visit multiple locations, greatly improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber accessory includes following components. The seat defines an insertion slot extending in an insertion direction. The multi-core terminal defines core slots extending in the insertion direction and in spatial communication with the insertion slot. The cover is separably attached to the seat, and defines an internal space in spatial communication with the core slots. The loop module is disposed in the multi-core terminal, extends into the internal space, and includes straight line segments extending from the core slots into the internal space, and curve line segments disposed in the internal space. A number of the curve line segments is half of that of the straight line segments. Two ends of each of the curve line segments are respectively connected to two of the straight line segments.