Optical Fiber Termination Box with Adjustable Joint
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of optical fibre networks in residential or SOHO environments is complicated by the need for external optical network terminals (ONTs) that require power and expose optical fibre patch cables to damage, and existing solutions have fixed connector positions making installation difficult and costly.
Innovation Solution
A terminal equipment with a fastening system allowing adjustable optical termination and housing for the optical patch cable, powered by a USB port and integrated electro-optical converter, which can be wall-mounted to secure the fibre and reduce bending risks, enabling flexible installation and hybrid functionality for both data and telephone signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an external optical network terminal (ONT) is used to convert optical signals, then broadband services can be provided, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes more difficult due to power requirements and cable exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical connector, electro-optical converter, and electrical connector into a single integrated terminal equipment unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate external ONT devices and their associated power cables, reducing installation complexity while maintaining broadband service capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal equipment is designed to provide multiple functions including optical signal conversion, electrical signal transmission, and power distribution through a single device. This multi-functionality replaces the need for multiple separate devices, simplifying the overall system and installation process.
2Device complexity
If the optical connector is integrated with the ONT body, then the device structure is simplified, but the installation becomes precarious as the fibre cannot be routed freely without bending beyond minimum radius
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the terminal equipment into a main body containing the electro-optical converter and a separate movable optical joint portion. This segmentation allows the optical fibre to be routed through the movable portion without constraining bends, maintaining installation ease while keeping the device structure integrated.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical joint is designed to be movable relative to the main body, allowing dynamic adjustment of the fibre routing path. This dynamic capability enables installers to route the fibre freely without creating excessive bends, while the joint can be fixed in the desired position once installation is complete.
3Device complexity
If the position of optical fibre and electrical connector are fixed in the terminal, then the device structure is simplified, but installation becomes difficult requiring precise positioning and potentially bending cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical joint movable relative to the main body, allowing adjustability during installation. This dynamic positioning capability enables installers to optimize cable routing and connector positioning without requiring precise pre-positioning, simplifying both installation and manufacturing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies the installation of optical fibre networks by allowing flexible orientation of optical and electrical connectors, protecting the fibre from damage, and reducing installation costs while providing a secure and efficient means of transmitting broadband services.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optical converter for transforming optical signals transmitted on optical fibre into electrical signals that can be available for a data network
Implementation Method 2
optical fibre allows broadband signals to be transmitted over long distances with performances better than those of copper wires, both as regards the available band and as regards immunity to electromagnetic interferences
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
AI summary
A terminal equipment (100) for optical fibre network is described, comprising an optical fibre patch cable (109) with a termination (106) intended to be connected, and particularly joined, to an outer optical fibre, an electrical connector (103), in particular a RJ45 connector, for the connection to a data network by copper wires, an electro-optical converter (111) operatively connected to said optical connector (106) and to said optical fibre patch cable (109) in order to transmit electrical signals received from said electrical connector (103) in optical signals to be transmitted to said optical fibre patch cable (109) and vice versa. The optical terminal equipment comprises a fastening system (1060) for said termination (106), said fastening system (1060) being adjustable with respect to said electrical connector (103) and it is firmly engaged with a movable body (107) of a plate (1021) upon which said electro-optical converter (111) and said termination (106) are fitted.