Retrofit Fiber Optic Apparatus Vertical Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transitioning from copper to fiber optic infrastructure is challenging, especially in topographically difficult areas and existing copper infrastructure, due to the need for new fiber optic cabinets, which can be costly, time-consuming, and regulatory hurdles.
Innovation Solution
A compact fiber optic apparatus designed for retrofit deployment within existing copper infrastructure, featuring a frame with vertically aligned splitter, feeder, and distribution panels, along with a connector parking panel and ribbon fan-out kits, to minimize size and depth, and a detachable strain relief bracket for flexible mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a traditional fiber optic cabinet is deployed, then fiber optic connectivity can be established, but the installation is costly, time-consuming, and requires new infrastructure deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the traditional cabinet into modular components: a compact frame structure, separate splitter modules, feeder panels, and distribution panels that can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation allows for easier installation and reduced deployment time while maintaining full fiber optic connectivity functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing splitter modules, feeder panels, and distribution panels within or attached to the frame structure. The connector parking panel with recessed mounting surface nests connectors within the frame depth, and ribbon fan-out kits are arranged to extend beneath housings of other components, maximizing space utilization and reducing overall footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fiber optic cabinet is installed in topographically challenging areas, then fiber connectivity can be provided, but deployment becomes difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a detachable strain relief bracket that can be removed from the frame and reattached to the telecommunications cabinet, providing dynamic adaptability to different mounting conditions. This flexibility allows the apparatus to be easily deployed in topographically challenging areas where traditional fixed cabinet installations are difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal cabinet layouts to a vertically aligned configuration where splitter mount, feeder panel, and distribution panel are stacked vertically. This dimensional change reduces the width footprint and allows deployment in spaces with limited horizontal space, enhancing adaptability to challenging terrains.
3Productivity
If existing copper infrastructure is utilized for retrofit, then transition to fiber can be achieved, but regulatory hurdles and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to interface with both fiber optic and copper infrastructure components. The frame can be mounted on existing copper cable racks or telecommunications cabinets, and the splitter modules can connect to both fiber inputs and copper outputs, providing universal functionality that simplifies the transition from copper to fiber while reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent acts as an intermediary device between existing copper infrastructure and new fiber optic networks. The apparatus includes interface components that can connect to both copper and fiber systems, serving as a transition point that reduces the complexity of direct copper-to-fiber conversion and facilitates smoother infrastructure migration.
4Area of stationary object
If the fiber optic apparatus size is reduced for retrofit deployment, then installation footprint is minimized, but space for components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space constraint by transitioning from a horizontal layout to a vertical stacking arrangement. The splitter mount, feeder panel, and distribution panel are positioned vertically along the frame, utilizing the vertical dimension to accommodate all necessary components within a compact footprint, thereby reducing the horizontal area required for installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing components within the frame structure and utilizing recessed mounting surfaces. The connector parking panel nests connectors within the frame depth, and ribbon fan-out kits are arranged to extend beneath housings of other components, maximizing space utilization and reducing the overall footprint without increasing component arrangement complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a fiber optic apparatus for retrofit fiber optic connectivity. The fiber optic apparatus is configured to reduce the size and footprint of a typical fiber optic cabinet for retrofit deployment within existing copper infrastructure, while allowing a user to provide and manage fiber optic network connections between a network provider and a plurality of subscribers. In an exemplary embodiment, the fiber optic apparatus decreases width by vertically aligning features of the fiber optic apparatus, and decreases depth by angled mounting of splitter parking and horizontal positioning of vertically stacked ribbon-fanout kit (RFK) sets. Further, the fiber optic apparatus includes flexible tubing attached to a detachable strain relief bracket configured for removal the detachable strain relief bracket from the frame and reattachment to the telecommunications cabinet to facilitate flexibility in mounting of the fiber optic apparatus and fiber deployment.