Protective Caddy for Pre-connectorized Multi-fiber Drop Cable Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of multiple optical fiber connectors into ducts is challenging due to their larger dimensions, which can lead to entanglement and damage, especially in microducts where there is limited space.
Innovation Solution
A protective caddy with receptacles for optical fiber connector sub-assemblies is used to temporarily protect the connectors during insertion into ducts, allowing for easier deployment of preconnectorized multi-fiber drop cables with a minimal cross-sectional footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical fiber connectors are installed into ducts, then connectivity is improved, but the risk of entanglement and damage increases due to larger dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing multiple optical fiber connectors inside a protective caddy structure. The connectors are arranged in receptacles within the caddy, allowing them to be contained and transported together without entanglement. This nested arrangement enables installation of multiple connectors into ducts while protecting them from damage during handling and insertion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical fiber connectors are installed into microducts, then connectivity is improved, but the available space becomes insufficient due to larger dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the installation process by separating the connectors from their individual installation operations. Multiple connectors are grouped together in a single protective caddy, allowing them to be installed as one unit into the microduct. This segmentation enables efficient use of space by coordinating the installation of multiple connectors simultaneously rather than individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective caddy provides a nested structure that contains multiple connectors in an organized manner. The connectors are arranged in receptacles within the caddy, creating a compact configuration that minimizes the cross-sectional footprint. This nested arrangement allows the connectors to fit into limited microduct space while maintaining accessibility and protection.
3Reliability
If optical fiber connectors are protected during insertion, then damage prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases due to protective caddy structure
Solution Approach 1:
The protective caddy is prepared in advance with receptacles designed to hold the connectors securely. This preliminary preparation ensures that connectors are protected before insertion begins, eliminating the need for complex protective measures during the actual installation process. The caddy structure is designed beforehand to provide adequate protection while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A multifiber connector for passing pre-connectorized fiber optic cable through microduct includes an engagement portion that is configured to hold a ferrule that is configured to terminate a fiber optic cable and a receiving portion that is configured to receive the engagement portion. The engagement portion includes a base portion having a length in a longitudinal direction of the engagement portion and an outer periphery portion that extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the engagement portion. The receiving portion is configured to receive the engagement portion and is shaped to minimize an outer periphery portion of the receiving portion in the transverse direction such that a plurality of fiber optic cables that are pre-connectorized with the connector are configured to pass through a micro-duct that is configured to be installed in a duct having a diameter of at least 25 mm.