Optical Fiber Cable Inlet Device with Integrated Passive Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telecommunication enclosures require significant space for passive optical devices, leading to space constraints and difficulties in installation and maintenance, especially in harsh environmental conditions, and existing solutions for optical fiber connections are not efficient in terms of space usage and cleaning.
Innovation Solution
The development of an inlet device with a built-in optical component, such as a passive or active optical device, that can be pre-terminally installed in a fiber cable assembly, providing a compact and environmentally sealed solution for optical fiber connections, suitable for outdoor use and easy installation, which reduces the need for space within the enclosure and enhances durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive optical devices are placed into telecommunication enclosures as separate modules, then optical connections can be established, but valuable enclosure space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inlet device and passive optical device into a single integrated unit. The inlet device housing directly incorporates the passive optical device, eliminating the need for separate splice trays and optical device modules within the enclosure. This merging reduces the total space required while maintaining reliable optical connections through factory-prepared interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated inlet device performs multiple functions: it provides cable entry, environmental sealing, strain relief, and houses the passive optical device. This multi-functional design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thereby saving enclosure space while maintaining all necessary functions for reliable optical connectivity.
2Area of stationary object
If optical connectors are installed proximate to the wall of terminal closure, then space is saved, but service interruptions occur when subjected to harsh environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The passive optical device and optical connections are pre-installed and sealed within the inlet device housing at the factory. This preliminary action protects the optical interfaces from harsh environmental conditions before the device is even installed in the enclosure. The factory-sealed environment prevents contamination and damage that would otherwise cause service interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The inlet device housing provides environmental protection and sealing for the optical connections before they are exposed to harsh conditions. The housing acts as a protective barrier that cushions the optical interfaces from environmental stressors such as moisture, dust, and physical damage, thereby maintaining connection stability in challenging installations.
3Reliability
If conventional sealed optical connectors are used, then optical connections can be made, but cleaning of the optical interface becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connector interfaces are designed to be accessible through the inlet device housing, allowing technicians to extract and clean the connectors without compromising the environmental seal. The housing structure enables maintenance access while maintaining protection, solving the contradiction between sealing and cleanability.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An inlet device is described for inserting a cable containing optical fibers into a telecommunications enclosure. The inlet device includes a housing and an optical device holder. The optical device holder may be configured to hold an optical fiber spice and/or an optical device such as an optical splitter, coupler or a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) device.