Optical Fiber Weight Tracking via RF Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical fiber cord tracking systems fail to accurately trace paths of optical fibers concealed in trough members or fiber panels, leading to costly misremovals and downtime in telecommunications networks, and lack intelligence to recommend optimal routing for new fiber installations.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber management system that includes weight sensing members and processors communicating with a central server to create digital maps of fiber paths and weights, using radio signals and force data to illuminate concealed fibers and recommend optimal routing without overloading trough members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If light sources are arranged at each end of the optical fiber cord to enable visual location, then the technician can visually locate illuminated ends, but the system fails to trace the path of concealed optical fiber cords in trough members
Solution Approach 1:
A radio frequency (RF) transceiver is integrated into the optical fiber cord to act as an intermediary that emits detectable RF signals. This allows the concealed fiber's path to be traced without relying on visual illumination, as the RF signals can penetrate through trough members and other obstructions to reveal the fiber's location and route.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical illumination system with an electromagnetic RF signaling system. Instead of using light sources that require line-of-sight visibility, the system uses RF transceivers that can detect and trace the fiber path through electromagnetic signals that penetrate through opaque materials like trough members.
2Illumination intensity
If electroluminescent wire is arranged along the optical fiber cord to illuminate its length, then the technician can visually locate the cord, but the illuminated cord remains unseen when concealed in overhead trough members
Solution Approach 1:
The RF transceiver serves as an intermediary that bypasses the limitation of visual illumination. By emitting RF signals that can penetrate through overhead trough members, the system enables detection and tracing of concealed fibers without requiring the illumination to be visually accessible to the technician.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the electroluminescent illumination system with an RF electromagnetic signaling system. This replacement allows the fiber path to be detected through electromagnetic penetration rather than optical illumination, solving the problem of concealed fibers being invisible when routed through overhead trough members.
3Device complexity
If traditional tracking systems are used without intelligence, then the system is simple, but the trough member cannot recommend optimal routes for new fiber installations or monitor loading information
Solution Approach 1:
The processor receives RF signal data from transceivers and uses this feedback to determine the location and status of optical fiber cords. This feedback mechanism enables the system to create digital maps, monitor trough loading, and provide intelligent route recommendations for new fiber installations based on real-time data about existing fiber positions and trough capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated processor and RF detection system provide multiple functions: tracing existing fiber paths, monitoring trough loading information, recommending optimal routes for new installations, and creating digital maps. This multi-functionality transforms a simple passive trough into an intelligent system that assists with fiber management without requiring separate specialized equipment for each function.
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
Enables quick and accurate identification of optical fiber paths, reduces misremovals and downtime, and optimizes fiber routing within telecommunications sites, enhancing space utilization and reducing operating expenses.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensing member arranged with a trough member for converting a force applied to the trough member by an optical fiber cord
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber cord management system and method is provided to monitor and manage optical fiber cords weights in telecommunication equipment. The system comprise a weight sensing member arranged with a trough member for converting a force applied to the trough member by an optical fiber cord. The system may include a processor, in communication with the weight sensing member. The processor may receive force signal data from the weight sensing member.