Optical Cable Junction Box Layout for Compact Fiber Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical junction boxes for FTTx networks are space-consuming, complex, and prone to fiber damage due to undesired bending, complicating fiber management and maintenance operations.

Innovation Solution

An optical cable junction box design featuring a base, a support frame with transversely extending splice trays and adapters, optimizing fiber arrangement to reduce space consumption and minimize fiber damage risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If adapters are attached with a support structure to the main spine in a raised position with respect to the splice tray, then fiber connections can be established, but the optical cables are forced to a long route causing bending and space consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber connection capabilityVSAvoidspace consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a vertical arrangement (raised position perpendicular to spine) to a horizontal arrangement (adapters along the spine length). This dimensional change allows adapters to be positioned at the same level as the splice tray, eliminating the need for vertical clearance and reducing the cable routing path length, thereby decreasing space consumption while maintaining connection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If connectors are inserted parallel to the spine length, then space is saved, but attention must be paid to the curvature of the fiber exiting from the adapter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace consumptionVSAvoidfiber curvature damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dedicated fiber routing path with proper curvature guidance as an intermediary element between the adapter and the splice tray. This routing path acts as a mediator that accommodates the fiber's natural curvature requirements, allowing connectors to be inserted parallel to the spine length while preventing fiber damage through properly designed bending radius

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If vertical development and specific splice trays are used, then fiber splicing capacity is increased, but fiber management problems arise and space is consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber splicing capacityVSAvoidfiber management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fiber management function by providing dedicated routing paths and attachment points distributed along the spine structure. Each segment handles specific fiber routing tasks, making the overall system more manageable. The splice trays are positioned to work with the horizontal adapter arrangement, creating modular sections that simplify fiber management while maintaining high splicing capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4617753A1An optical cable junction box
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 PRYSMIAN SPA
  • EP4617753A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4617753A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4617753A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical cable junction box (1) comprising a base member (10) configured to receive optical cables (2) comprising one or more optical fibers (3); a dome-shaped cover member (20) configured to define with the base member (10) an inner volume (V); a support frame (30) extending into the inner volume (V) between the base member (10) and an end support portion (31) along a longitudinal direction (X-X) transversal to the base member (10); a splice tray arrangement (40) attached to the support frame (30) extending from the support frame (30) along a first direction (A-A) transversal to the longitudinal direction (X-X), the splice tray arrangement (40) comprising one or more splice trays (41) configured to receive one or more optical fibres (3); one or more optical adapters (50) for receiving one or more pre-connectorized optical cable connectors (4) and optical connectors (5) for optical fibers (3), the optical adapters (50) being attached to the support frame (30) and being arranged along a second direction (B-B) transversal to the longitudinal direction (X-X).