Optical Splice Frame Layout for Flexible Fiber Cable Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical distribution and splice frames lack flexibility in cable management configurations to accommodate diverse facility needs, and do not provide easy maintenance or replacement of optical fiber cables.

Innovation Solution

A cable management system comprising a rack, enclosure, tray, cable slack manager, and cassettes that allow for customizable cable management and easy maintenance, with features like sliding trays and hinged doors for access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed cable management configuration is used in optical distribution frames, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot accommodate diverse facility needs and requires disruptive maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable management configuration flexibilityVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical distribution frame is divided into modular components including removable trays, separable cable management units, and independent enclosure sections. This segmentation allows each module to be configured independently for different facility requirements and enables maintenance of individual components without disrupting the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates movable and adjustable elements such as sliding trays, reconfigurable cable guides, and adjustable mounting positions. These dynamic features allow the cable management configuration to be adapted to different facilities and reconfigured during maintenance without complete system replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If traditional optical fiber cable installation methods are used, then the installation process is straightforward, but maintenance or replacement of cables requires disruptive service interruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable maintenance easeVSAvoidservice interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system includes pre-configured maintenance access points, pre-positioned cable routing paths, and pre-installed replacement components within the modular trays. These preliminary arrangements enable maintenance personnel to quickly access and replace cables without service interruption by having all necessary elements ready in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Individual cable trays and cable management components can be extracted and removed from the main frame independently. This extraction capability allows cables to be accessed, replaced, or maintained in isolation without affecting other parts of the optical distribution system, eliminating service interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If standardized enclosure sizes are used, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but specific facility requirements for unique configurations cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration customizationVSAvoidenclosure manufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The modular trays and enclosures are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized connection points that work across different configurations. This universality allows the same basic components to be manufactured in standard sizes while being adaptable to various facility-specific requirements through different arrangement and combination of modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12571976B2Optical distribution and splice frame including enclosures

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 PANDUIT CORP

AI summary

An optical distribution and splice frame system includes rack(s), enclosure(s), cable management component(s), and/or cassette(s) that have features to allow for different cable management configurations not yet available in the market. A fiber optic cassette and enclosure are designed to enable flexibility in cable management configurations for the overall system.