Pivoting Splice Enclosure for Better Fiber Adapter Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic network enclosures do not provide easy access to adapter holders and lack a three-layer design for fiber storage, patching, and environmental protection, especially at mid-span locations.
Innovation Solution
A splice enclosure with a pivotable cover, adapter plate, and splice tray design that allows improved access to adapters, features a three-layer structure for fiber management, and includes double sealing for environmental protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the splice tray is made fixed and integrated with the main body, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the access to adapter holder becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The splice tray is designed to be pivotable relative to the main body between a first position where it blocks access to the adapter holder and a second position where it permits access. This dynamic configuration allows the enclosure to transition between a compact closed state and an operational open state, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and ease of operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the adapter holder is made fixed and integrated with the main body, then the structural stability is improved, but the access to adapter becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter holder is designed to be pivotable relative to the main body between a first position and a second position that provides improved access to the adapter. This dynamic element allows the holder to be positioned for optimal access during operations while maintaining structural integration with the main body, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If a single-layer enclosure design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fiber management functionality is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is designed with a three-layer structure comprising a splice layer, a patching layer, and a fiber storage layer. Each layer performs a specific function: the splice layer houses the splice tray and splice protection elements, the patching layer contains the adapter holder and connector interfaces, and the fiber storage layer provides cable management. This segmentation allows comprehensive fiber management functionality while maintaining a compact integrated design.
4Ease of manufacture
If the cover is made fixed and non-pivotable, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the access to chamber becomes restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be pivotable relative to the main body, allowing it to be opened to provide access to the chamber containing the splice tray and other components. This dynamic cover design maintains relative manufacturing simplicity while enabling easy access for installation and maintenance operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A splice enclosure that may include a body portion, a lower portion, an adapter portion, and a splice portion. The adapter portion may be configured to pivot relative to the body portion between a first adapter portion position and a second adapter portion position. The splice portion may be configured to pivot relative to the body portion between a first splice portion position and a second splice portion position. The adapter portion may configured to be disposed between the splice portion and the lower portion when the splice portion is in the first splice portion position and the adapter portion is in the first adapter portion position such that the splice portion is configured to block access to the adapter portion The splice portion also may be configured to permit access to the adapter portion when the splice portion is pivoted to the second splice portion position such that the adapter portion is configured to be selectively pivoted to the second adapter portion position so as to provide improved access to an adapter that is configured to be coupled with the adapter portion.