Optical Fibre Splice Box Rear Feed-Through Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical fiber splice boxes lack optimal design for efficient handling and storage of optical waveguides and fiber optics, with limited utilization of space and stability, and do not provide sufficient reserve for easy splicing and mobility.

Innovation Solution

A splice box design featuring a housing with a rear wall feed-through opening for optical fibers, a movable drawer for improved mobility, and adjustable fastening means for secure fixation and strain relief, along with a splice cassette and fiber optic connectors for various formats, allowing for flexible configuration and maximum utilization of space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the feed-through opening is arranged in the left side wall, then the optical fibers can be fed through, but the overall width of the splice box is not fully utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidhousing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feed-through opening is relocated from the side wall to the rear wall, changing the spatial dimension of fiber entry. This allows optical fibers to enter from the back of the splice box, maximizing the use of internal space and enabling better cable management without increasing the overall footprint of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the drawer is fixed in the housing, then the structure is stable, but the mobility and handling of optical waveguides is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrawer mobilityVSAvoidhousing stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The drawer is designed with movable mounting on the housing, allowing it to be pulled out or swiveled. This dynamic design enables easy access to optical waveguides and splicing components while maintaining structural stability through proper attachment mechanisms that allow controlled movement rather than rigid fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If sufficient reserve of optical fibers is accommodated in the housing, then easy handling during splicing is enabled, but the space for other components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplicing handlingVSAvoidavailable space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By arranging the feed-through opening in the rear wall, the patent creates optimal spatial conditions for routing optical fibers from the back through the housing. This dimensional change allows sufficient fiber reserve to be accommodated in the internal space while maintaining access to all components, effectively resolving the space conflict between fiber storage and component placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3748410A1Optical fibre splice box
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 ZCN FIBER GMBH
  • EP3748410A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3748410A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3748410A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a splice box (10) for optical fibers, comprising: - a housing (11), comprising: - a left side wall (13) with a front edge (13v) and a rear edge (13h), - a right side wall (14) with a front edge (14v) and a rear edge (14h), and - a rear wall (15); - a drawer (12), comprising: - a base plate (16) for mounting a splice cassette (21), and - a front plate (17) for receiving fiber optic connectors (23); wherein: - the rear wall (15) is attached to the side walls (13, 14) and connects the rear edges (13h, 14h) to each other; - the front plate (17) is attached to the base plate (16); - the drawer (12) is arranged in the housing (11); - the rear wall (15) has a feedthrough opening (18) for the passage of a conduit (20) for optical fibers.