Rotatable Fiber Optic Spool for Cable Strain Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic enclosures face challenges in managing varying lengths of subscriber cables effectively, requiring a solution that allows for efficient deployment and storage of fiber optic cables while minimizing strain on connectorized ends.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic enclosure with a rotatable cable spool assembly and tray system, where the trays are configured to rotate in unison with the drum portion, allowing for easy deployment and storage of fiber optic cables, and featuring pivotable trays with multiple optical adapters for flexible access and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed cable storage structure is used, then the enclosure structure is simple, but it cannot effectively manage varying lengths of subscriber cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a rotatable spool assembly that can rotate to pay out or wind in subscriber cables as needed. The spool rotates about a longitudinal axis, allowing the cable length to be dynamically adjusted based on the distance between the enclosure and network hub, thereby managing varying cable lengths effectively while maintaining a relatively simple enclosure structure.
2Ease of operation
If cable strain is applied to connectors, then cable deployment is easier, but connector reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a spool assembly as a mediator between the subscriber cable and the connector. The spool absorbs cable strain and tension during deployment, preventing direct transmission of force to the connector. This allows easy cable deployment while protecting connector reliability by isolating it from mechanical stress.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical adapters are provided in a fixed arrangement, then connection options increase, but access difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the tray assembly rotatable along with the spool assembly. This dynamic arrangement allows optical adapters to be rotated into convenient access positions during cable deployment and then returned to their organized positions. The system provides multiple connection options through multiple adapters while maintaining ease of access through rotational movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic enclosure includes a housing including a base and a cover that cooperatively define an interior region of the housing; and a cable spool assembly rotatably disposed in the interior region of the housing. The cable spool includes a drum portion; and a tray assembly engaged to the drum portion and configured to rotate in unison with the drum portion when the cable spool assembly is rotated relative to the base. The tray assembly includes at least a first tray. Each tray includes optical adapters disposed in a row along a first end of the tray. Certain types of trays are pivotal relative to the drum portion along a pivot axis extending generally parallel to the row of adapters along a second end of the tray opposite the first end. Other types of trays include a second row of optical adapters that pivot relative to the first row.