Optical Splice Module with Removable Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic telecommunications systems face challenges in efficiently managing excess length of optical fibers and pigtails, particularly in providing adequate bend radius protection and storage within modular structures, which is crucial for maintaining signal integrity and flexibility in installations.
Innovation Solution
The optical module design includes a housing with a splice location and optical adapters, featuring a removable splice tray with a bend radius limiting arrangement that stores excess fiber length, guide fingers for routing, and a management spool for cable retention, allowing for efficient storage and routing of optical pigtails and fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a modular housing structure is used for optical fiber management, then ease of installation and maintenance is improved, but adequate bend radius protection and storage space for excess fiber becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the removable splice tray inside the housing, which itself contains the bend radius limiting arrangement. The splice tray is inserted into the housing and secures to the bend radius limiting arrangement, creating a nested configuration that maximizes space utilization while maintaining adequate bend radius protection for excess fiber within the modular structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics through the removable splice tray that can be easily inserted and removed from the housing. This dynamic element allows for flexible installation and maintenance operations while the bend radius limiting arrangement provides consistent structural support for fiber management throughout the device lifecycle
2Adaptability or versatility
If excess fiber length is stored within the modular housing, then flexibility in installation is improved, but bend radius protection becomes challenging to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the bend radius limiting arrangement within the housing before the splice tray is installed. This pre-established structural feature ensures that when excess fiber is stored, the bend radius is automatically protected, maintaining reliability while allowing installation flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The bend radius limiting arrangement acts as an intermediary element between the stored excess fiber and the housing structure. It mediates the interaction by providing a dedicated mechanism that maintains proper bend radius for the fiber while allowing the fiber to be stored within the confined space of the modular housing
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module includes a housing; an optical adapter arrangement disposed at the housing; a cable inlet leading from an exterior of the housing to the interior of the housing; and a splice location disposed within the interior of the housing. Optical pigtails extend from the optical adapter arrangement to the splice location. Certain types of modules have a removable splice tray having a bend radius limiting arrangement surrounding multiple splice channels. Certain types of modules have first and second chambers separated by a wall defining a pass-through aperture.