Multi-port Optical Terminal with Compressible Transition Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic network installations face challenges due to the need for skilled technicians to configure complex optical connections at mid-span access locations, which are often mispositioned, leading to increased costs and difficulties in reconfiguring or adding connections, especially in buried deployments where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A multi-port optical connection terminal that allows relatively unskilled technicians to connect, disconnect, or reconfigure pre-connectorized drop cables with a distribution cable at a branch point, featuring a stub cable port with a compressible transition area to reduce stress and prevent breakage, and can be installed in compact enclosures like hand-holes or pedestals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional splicing techniques are used to connect optical fibers at mid-span access locations, then reliable optical connections can be established, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires highly skilled field technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-connectorizing optical fibers at factory-prepared mid-span access locations before field installation. The distribution cable is pre-equipped with connectorized optical fibers at predetermined branch points, allowing technicians to simply connect drop cables to pre-prepared interfaces rather than performing complex splicing operations in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing pre-connectorized optical fibers as a mediator between the distribution cable and drop cables. These pre-prepared connectorized fibers act as a bridge, eliminating the need for field technicians to perform skilled splicing operations while maintaining reliable optical connections.
2Ease of manufacture
If factory-prepared mid-span access locations are positioned at predetermined branch points, then pre-engineered network solutions can be implemented, but the actual location may differ from the intended location due to deployment constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the network design phase from the physical deployment phase. Mid-span access locations are predetermined and prepared in advance during network planning, while actual physical locations are determined during deployment based on constraints like telephone poles or hand-holes. This allows flexible adaptation without re-engineering the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by allowing the physical location parameter to vary while maintaining the functional parameter of optical connection capability. The predetermined branch points provide a planning reference, but actual installation locations can be adjusted to match physical constraints such as pole positions or underground hand-hole locations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical connections are made in aerial splice closures, then fiber optic networks can be extended to subscribers, but reconfiguring or adding connections becomes labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-connectorizing optical fibers at mid-span access locations before field deployment. This allows the network to be extended to subscribers with simple connection operations rather than requiring complex reconfiguration procedures later.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex splicing operations from the field installation process and performs them in advance during factory preparation. This separates the skilled work (done in controlled environments) from the field work (simple connections), making reconfiguration easier and less costly.
4Productivity
If stub cables are connected directly to cable ports, then optical connections can be established, but stress concentration at sharp edges may cause cable breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a compressible transition area at the cable port that cushions and distributes stress before it can concentrate at sharp edges. This protective feature is built into the terminal structure in advance, preventing cable breakage during connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the cable port by adding a compressible transition area that modifies the stress distribution. This softens the hard edge of the cable port, allowing stress to be distributed over a larger area rather than concentrated at a sharp point.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and cost-effective optical connections and reconfigurations by allowing unskilled technicians to manage fiber optic networks, reducing the need for skilled labor and minimizing equipment volume, while protecting cables from stress and environmental exposure.
Implementation Method 1
A compressible transition area is provided at the stub cable port to reduce stress and prevent breakage
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes at least one optical fiber cable receiving area for receiving at least one optical fiber cable, the receiving area being sized to receive a covering for covering at least a portion of the transition area, and at least one optical fiber cable transition portion disposed at the receiving area, the optical fiber cable transition portion being responsive to and supporting the covering when pressure from the covering is applied to the transition area and the covering and said transition area together form a buffer zone associated with at least a portion of the cable receiving area. Methods include providing a multi-port optical connection terminal having a stub cable port; connecting a stub cable assembly including a stub cable to the stub cable port; and forming a sloped buffer zone between the stub cable port and the stub cable to relieve stress in the stub cable.