Optical Port Pre-Connected Cable Reel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sockets for FTTH installations face challenges in ensuring the safe and efficient unwinding of optical cables, as the internal end of the cable must be disconnected and reconnected during installation, risking damage and requiring complex manipulation.
Innovation Solution
An optical socket design featuring a rotating coil with a movable connector that remains integral with the reel, allowing the internal end to be preconnected and avoiding obstacles during unwinding, along with a removable cover and locking mechanisms to stabilize the connector in a storage position, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the internal end of the cable is connected to the connector before unwinding, then the connection is secure and damage is avoided, but the connector blocks the rotation of the coil during unwinding
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is made movable relative to the coil, allowing it to change position between a first position (outside radial extension) during unwinding and a second position (inside radial extension) for storage. This dynamic repositioning resolves the conflict between maintaining connection reliability and enabling smooth unwinding rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is separated from the coil structure, allowing independent movement of each component. The connector can be positioned independently from the coil's radial extension, enabling the coil to rotate freely during unwinding while the connector remains available for connections when needed.
2Volume of moving object
If the connector is positioned inside the radial extension of the coil, then the socket maintains a compact size, but the connector interferes with the unwinding rotation of the coil
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to move between positions: during unwinding it is located outside the radial extension to avoid interference, and during storage it is positioned inside the radial extension to maintain compact socket dimensions. This dynamic positioning resolves the spatial conflict between compactness and operational ease.
3Ease of operation
If the internal end of the cable is disconnected and reconnected during installation, then the cable can be unwound properly, but the risk of damage increases and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The internal end of the cable is preconnected to the connector before the unwinding operation begins. This preliminary connection eliminates the need to disconnect and reconnect during installation, reducing the risk of damage and simplifying the installation process while maintaining connection reliability.
4Device complexity
If the connector is made fixed relative to the coil, then the structure is simple, but the connector cannot be positioned outside the radial extension during unwinding
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is made movable relative to the coil through a positioning mechanism that allows it to shift between a first position (outside radial extension) during unwinding and a second position (inside radial extension) for storage. This dynamic capability is achieved with minimal added complexity, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical port (11) including: - a base (12) capable of being attached substantially parallel to a planar surface; - a spool (13) arranged so as to rotate about a shaft (4) which is substantially perpendicular to the base; - an optical cable (5) rolled up into the spool; and - a connector (16), one inner side (17) of which is connected inside the port to a first end (7), referred to as the "inner end", of the cable. An outer side (18) of the connector is intended to be connected to an outer optical connection plug. The cable is intended to be unreeled out from the port by pulling one second end (8), referred to as the "outer end", of the cable. The pulling rotates the spool (13) on the shaft (4). The connector (16) is secured to the spool (13) and arranged so as to take at least one position outside the radial configuration of the spool (13).