Optical Fiber Splitter Module With Interleaved High-Density Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of optical fibers closer to subscribers' homes is cost-prohibitive due to the large and cumbersome nature of existing optical splitter modules, which require additional components and space as the number of subscribers increases.
Innovation Solution
A high-density optical fiber splitter module with a housing, splitter chip, and optical fibers where the second end has a larger diameter coating, allowing for reduced spacing and a method of assembling an interleaved fiber array, along with a tool for adjusting fiber spacing, to minimize module size and optimize fiber arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical splitter modules are used, then the splitter can divide optical signals, but the module size becomes large and cumbersome, requiring more space as the number of subscribers increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the optical splitter chip inside a compact housing structure, and further nesting the fiber optic array within the housing. The larger diameter coating on fiber ends allows nested arrangement where fibers are bundled more tightly, enabling higher subscriber capacity without proportionally increasing module footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional linear fiber arrangement to a three-dimensional nested configuration. By varying fiber diameter along their length (larger at one end, smaller at the other), the design exploits dimensional variation to pack fibers more efficiently in space, allowing more fibers to be accommodated in the same module volume.
2Productivity
If optical fibers are installed closer to subscribers' homes, then installation costs increase due to larger module size, but network bandwidth improves
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of fibers within the housing allows the module to be compact enough for closer-to-home installation. The larger diameter coating enables fibers to be nested in a space-efficient manner, reducing the overall module dimensions to make deployment in distributed locations economically viable.
3Quantity of substance
If more optical fibers are packed into the same space, then fiber density increases, but fiber spacing and assembly become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different parts of the fiber (different ends) different diameters. The larger diameter at one end provides easier handling and spacing control during assembly, while the smaller diameter at the other end allows tighter packing. This local variation in fiber geometry makes high-density assembly more manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of fiber diameter along the fiber length. By creating a gradient or variation in diameter (tapered or coated sections), the design enables easier manipulation and spacing control during manufacturing, facilitating higher fiber density without proportionally increasing assembly difficulty.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber splitter has a higher density fiber optic array that allows for smaller packaging. The optical fibers that extend from the optical fiber splitter have one end connectorized and their spacing at the other end reduced, thereby eliminating components that were heretofore required. A method of making the fiber optic array includes interleaving the optical fibers to reduce the overall dimensions of the fiber optic array and the fiber optic splitter. A tool is used to reduce the spacing of the optical fibers in the fiber optic array.