Pull-Back Fiber Distribution Layout for MDU Cable Waste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic cable installations in multi-dwelling units result in significant waste of fiber optic cable lengths due to the need to cut and splice fibers at each apartment, leading to inefficient utilization and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
Implement a single distribution cable with additional distribution points and fiber pull-back techniques, allowing fibers to be used in both directions and connecting to multiple distribution boxes, thereby maximizing fiber utilization and minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional fiber distribution cables are installed running from a single distribution point to all apartments, then all apartments can be served, but significant fiber length is wasted due to cutting and splicing at each apartment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fiber distribution system into multiple distribution points (first distribution point and second distribution point) that are spaced along the fiber cable. This segmentation allows the fiber to be cut and spliced at intermediate points rather than only at the distal end, enabling bidirectional utilization of fiber segments and significantly reducing waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a pull-back installation method where fibers are pulled back from the distal end toward the proximal end, allowing the fiber to be used in both directions. This inversion of the conventional one-way fiber usage approach enables the remaining fiber length to be utilized for additional connections after the initial apartment is served.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distribution cables are used to serve more apartments, then coverage increases, but the complexity of installation and fiber management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional fiber distribution system where a single fiber cable serves multiple purposes by being cut at multiple locations. The same cable infrastructure can serve different numbers and locations of apartments by selectively cutting and splicing at different distribution points, providing versatility without requiring separate cables for each configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability to the fiber distribution system through the pull-back installation method. The system can be adapted to serve different numbers and locations of apartments by dynamically selecting where to cut and splice the fiber, allowing the same physical infrastructure to serve varying subscriber requirements without reinstallation.
3Ease of manufacture
If fiber is cut and spliced at each apartment connection point, then individual apartments can be connected independently, but fiber length is wasted running from the distribution point to the distalmost apartment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary cutting and splicing of the fiber at multiple predetermined locations along the cable before final connection. By pre-positioning cut ends and splice points at strategic locations, the system enables flexible individual apartment connections while ensuring that remaining fiber segments are utilized for additional connections rather than being wasted.
Data Source
AI summary
A pull-back fiber cable installation for multi dwelling units includes a first distribution point disposed between a first group of twelve units and a second group of twelve units, a second distribution point disposed between a third group of twelve units and a fourth group of twelve units, and a twelve fiber distribution cable optically connected to the first and second distribution points. Each fiber of the distribution cable is cut between the first and second distribution point. A first portion of the cut fiber is spliced to a first drop cable that runs to a first unit of the second group of twelve units, and a second portion of the cut fiber is spliced to a second drop cable that runs to a first unit of the third group of twelve units.