Optical Module Splitter Housing with Rear Fiber Reservoir

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current splitter modules for passive optical networks are bulky, difficult to connect, and lack robustness, necessitating improved designs for efficient and reliable optical fiber connections.

Innovation Solution

The optical module features a housing with a fiber reservoir and splitter arranged one behind the other, allowing direct fiber guidance with minimal bending, and a splice holder for easy fiber management, enabling compact, stackable, and reliable connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If optical splitter modules are designed with multiple cable ports and internal winding devices, then fiber connection capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber connection capabilityVSAvoidmodule structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The module is divided into functionally independent components: a housing with cable passages for cable entry, a splitter unit for signal distribution, and a splice tray for fiber management. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides cables through dedicated passages, protects internal components, and facilitates heat dissipation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If optical splitter modules include comprehensive fiber management components, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cable passage, splitter mounting structure, and splice tray are integrated into a single housing component that can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. This merging reduces the number of assembly steps and potential failure points while maintaining reliable fiber management capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing design incorporates self-aligning features and built-in guidance structures that automatically position fibers and cables correctly during installation, reducing the skill level and time required for assembly while ensuring reliable connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If optical splitter modules are designed for compact stacking, then space efficiency is improved, but structural robustness may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule volumeVSAvoidstructural robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The module employs a flattened, planar design with cable passages and components arranged in a two-dimensional layout rather than requiring three-dimensional depth. This allows modules to be stacked vertically with minimal clearance while maintaining structural integrity through optimized wall thickness and reinforcement ribs

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

Data Source

PatentEP3757640B1Optical module with splitter
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 OPTONET AG
  • EP3757640B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3757640B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3757640B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

An optical module, in particular in the form of a passive optical network component, comprising a housing (100, 200) wherein the housing contains at least one optical splitter (161, 162), at least one splice holder (140) and at least one fiber reservoir (130) for receiving optical fibers, wherein the housing (100, 200) has at least one first cable entry (121, 221) on a first side, through which at least one first optical fiber cable (102) can be inserted into the housing (100, 200) and at least one second cable entry (122, 222) on an opposite side of the housing, through which at least one second optical cable (103a - d) can be inserted into the housing (100, 200), is characterized in that the fiber reservoir (130) and the at least one splitter (161, 162) are arranged in one direction from the first cable entry to the second Cable passage (101) are arranged one behind the other in the housing (100, 200).