Pivotable Fiber Optic Trays With Upgradable Splitter Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-density fiber optic systems, access, cleaning, and repair pose challenges due to increased fiber density, and existing technologies do not efficiently manage cable routing and signal splitting.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of telecommunications trays with pivotable modules and fiber optic splitters that allow for flexible cable management and signal splitting, including removable modules and integral features for managing cables and adapters, along with the ability to upgrade split ratios using upgradable splitter modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fiber optic density is increased to meet growing transmission capacity demand, then transmission capacity is improved, but access and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telecommunications tray is divided into multiple stacked tiers, each capable of holding fiber optic cables. This segmentation allows operators to access specific tiers independently, making maintenance easier in high-density environments where all cables would otherwise be crowded together in a single plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray system transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. By utilizing the vertical dimension, the system increases fiber capacity without increasing the horizontal footprint, while still maintaining accessibility through the stacked tier design.
2Quantity of substance
If fiber optic density is increased to meet growing transmission capacity demand, then transmission capacity is improved, but cleaning and repair challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-tier stacked tray structure segments fiber cables into distinct groups across different levels. This segmentation provides adequate spacing between cables, allowing technicians to easily access, clean, and repair specific fibers without having to work in a cramped, crowded environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The trays are designed to be movable and adjustable within the rack system. This dynamic capability allows technicians to pull out or reposition specific trays to gain better access for cleaning and repair operations, making maintenance easier in high-density configurations.
3Device complexity
If fixed splitter configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability for future upgrades decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter modules are designed to be removable and replaceable within the tray system. This dynamic configuration allows the system to start with a simple splitter setup and be upgraded to higher-capacity splitters or different configurations as network demands grow, without replacing the entire tray infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray system is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate various splitter types and configurations. This universality allows a single tray infrastructure to support different splitter capacities (e.g., 1:8, 1:16, 1:32) and enables future upgrades without changing the basic system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of changing the split ratio of a given fiber optic distribution element having a 1:n fiber optic splitter within a first module includes providing a upgradable splitter module that has a 1:n fiber optic splitter and 1:2 fiber optic splitter within a housing of the upgradable module housing and providing a patch between an output of the 1:2 fiber optic splitter and an input of the 1:n fiber optic splitter that is within the first module.