Remote Socket Apparatus for Simultaneous Media Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-building wireless (IBW) communication systems face challenges in deploying and managing cables within multi-dwelling units (MDUs) due to space constraints and the need for frequent reentries, leading to increased costs and service disruptions, while conventional cabling solutions are complex, expensive, and difficult to expand or upgrade.

Innovation Solution

A remote socket apparatus that allows for simultaneous connection of multiple media, including power, RF signal distribution, and transmission cables, using an actuation mechanism to simplify installation and management, with features like adhesive-backed cabling and integrated slack storage to reduce aesthetic impact and improve installation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional FTTX deployments use fiber distribution terminals (FDT) on each floor with individual drop cables spliced to riser cables, then service can be provided to individual tenants, but multiple reentries are required which increase security risks, service disruptions, and installation costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice provisioning flexibilityVSAvoidservice continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate cable connections (power, data, voice, RF) into a single integrated horizontal cable assembly that connects directly from the fiber distribution hub to the customer premises equipment. This eliminates the need for multiple separate reentries and connection points, thereby maintaining service continuity while preserving provisioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the network into distinct functional components: a fiber distribution hub that handles fiber optic connections, and customer premises equipment that handles copper-based connections. This segmentation allows the fiber infrastructure to remain stable and secure while enabling flexible service provisioning at the customer end without requiring reentries into the building infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If home run cabling is installed from each living unit directly to the fiber distribution hub, then cable management is simplified, but large pre-fabricated crown molding pathways are required which become congested and disorganized over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable management complexityVSAvoidcable pathway space

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional cable management (cables running along ceiling perimeters in crown molding) to a point-to-point three-dimensional routing system where cables are drawn directly through walls and floors from the fiber distribution hub to each customer location. This dimensional change eliminates the need for large shared pathways and their associated congestion problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If individual drop cables are spliced in FDTs using fusion splice machines, then connections can be made, but highly skilled labor and expensive equipment are required which increase capital and operating costs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidinstallation equipment requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fusion splicing process with a pre-terminated connector system. Cables are pre-terminated with connectors at the factory, eliminating the need for field splicing operations. This substitution removes the requirement for expensive fusion splice machines and highly skilled labor, thereby reducing both capital equipment costs and operating expenses while maintaining connection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple reentries are performed for service installations, then individual tenant service can be activated, but security is compromised and service disruptions occur for other tenants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual service activationVSAvoidsecurity risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary termination of cable connectors at the fiber distribution hub before service activation. This preliminary action allows service to be activated by simply plugging in pre-prepared connections rather than requiring reentries into tenant spaces. The harmful effect of security compromise is eliminated because the only access point (the hub) remains in a controlled environment, while individual service activation is achieved through simple connector insertion at the customer end.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9223336B2Remote socket apparatus

Publication Date: 2015.12.29 CORNING RES & DEV CORP

AI summary

A remote socket apparatus comprises a socket to receive a remote electronics unit. The socket is configured to house multiple media to connect to remote electronics housed in the remote electronics unit. The socket includes a socket interface configured to mate with a remote electronics unit interface. At least one of the socket and remote electronics unit further includes an actuation mechanism configured to connect the multiple media simultaneously. The remote socket apparatus can be utilized in a network that provides in-building wireless (IBW) communications and in a converged network that also provides wired in-building telecommunications.