Optical Fibre Tap with Internal Bypass Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fiber optic network installations in building complexes face issues with signal transmission due to curved cable portions and aesthetics, as cables with low radii of curvature can harm signal quality and are aesthetically unpleasing.

Innovation Solution

A branching device with a bypass member that supports the cable inside a conduit, minimizing external curvature and improving aesthetics by keeping the cable support inside the duct, along with optical fiber supports that maintain fibers with large radii or straight portions, allowing for efficient signal transmission and hidden installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cable exits the chute through openings to connect to the junction box, then the cable can be connected and extracted, but the cable develops pronounced curvatures with low radii that harm signal transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable connectionVSAvoidsignal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass member is nested within the chute structure, allowing the cable to pass through the bypass member which is itself contained within the chute. This nesting arrangement enables cable extraction while maintaining the cable path inside the chute, avoiding external curvatures and preserving signal transmission quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the cable exits the chute through openings, then cable connection is enabled, but the aesthetics of the chute are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable connectionVSAvoidaesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass member extracts the cable routing function from the traditional opening-based system. By removing the need for openings in the chute and replacing them with an internal bypass mechanism, the cable can be connected while the chute maintains its intact, aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If the cable is supported outside the duct, then installation is simpler, but the cable support is visible and aesthetics are degraded

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinstallationVSAvoidaesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass member is nested within the duct structure, allowing cable support functionality to be provided while remaining hidden inside the duct. This eliminates the need for visible external supports while maintaining installation simplicity through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of manufacture

If the fiber support is located outside the duct, then installation is easier, but the fiber has pronounced curvatures that harm signal transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinstallationVSAvoidsignal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber support is nested within the duct structure, allowing the fiber to be supported in a location that maintains large radii of curvature or straight portions. This internal positioning prevents pronounced curvatures while keeping the installation process simple through the integrated bypass design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2156232B9Optical fibre tap
Publication Date: 2012.03.14 FREE
  • EP2156232B9 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2156232B9 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2156232B9 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The assembly (13a1) comprises a conduit (14a) and an optical fibre tap (16a1). The tap (16a1) comprises a support member (30) for a fibre-optic cable (13) and at least one optical fibre support member (32, 34). In addition, the tap (16a1) includes means (36) for positioning the tap relative to the conduit in the position such that the cable support member (30) extends along the inside of the conduit (14a).