Fiber Optic Splice Enclosure With Removable Access Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic enclosures are not well-suited for frequent access and maintenance at distribution points near end-user premises, as they are time-consuming and expensive to access, with complex cable management leading to errors and potential water leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic splice enclosure with a support frame, a removable dome, and a spliced slack storage basket that allows for easy access and efficient cable management, featuring a snap tab for secure closure and a modular design for flexibility and quick maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vault-type enclosure with a sealed splice case is used to protect fiber integrity, then the protection of optical fibers and splices is improved, but the time required to access and service the enclosure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into separate functional modules: a weatherproof enclosure body, a removable access panel, and a splice case. This segmentation allows the access panel to be removed independently from the sealed splice case, enabling quick access without compromising the protected splicing environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The access panel is designed to be removable and replaceable, transforming the static sealed enclosure into a dynamic system that can be quickly opened for maintenance and closed to protect the splices. This dynamic access mechanism reduces service time while maintaining protection when closed.
2Reliability
If a sealed splice case with multiple fasteners is used to maintain a clean splicing area, then the protection against water leakage is improved, but the complexity of accessing and servicing the splices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access panel is extracted as a separate component from the splice case. This allows the splice case to remain sealed with its multiple fasteners and sealing provisions intact, while the access panel provides a simple removal mechanism for entering the enclosure without disturbing the sealed splice case.
Solution Approach 2:
The access panel acts as an intermediary between the technician and the sealed splice case. It provides a simple interface for access while the complex sealing system remains hidden within the splice case, maintaining protection without exposing the technician to the complexity of the sealing mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If lengthy slack fiber loops are removed from the vault to access splices, then the ability to perform splicing operations is improved, but the risk of disrupting unopened buffer tubes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure interior is segmented into distinct zones: a protected splicing area with the sealed splice case, and a separate area for managing slack fiber loops. This segmentation allows technicians to work with slack fibers without risking disruption to the unopened buffer tubes in the protected zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The access panel serves as an intermediary that allows entry into the enclosure without requiring removal of slack fiber loops from the protected splicing area. Technicians can access the sealed splice case through the removable panel while slack fibers are managed separately, eliminating the need to disturb protected buffer tubes.
4Reliability
If multiple threaded fasteners are used to secure the splice case in the vault, then the protection of the splice environment is improved, but the time required to replace and reseal the splice case increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into two independent parts: fasteners for the access panel and fasteners for the splice case. This allows the access panel to be quickly removed and replaced without requiring manipulation of the multiple threaded fasteners that secure the sealed splice case, significantly reducing service time while maintaining both levels of protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic splice enclosure for housing an interconnection contained in a splice tray between at least one optical fiber of a feeder cable and at least one optical fiber of a drop cable is provided. The optical fiber of the feeder cable is at least partially contained in a feeder cable buffer or transportation tube. The fiber optic splice enclosure includes a support frame arranged in the enclosure. The support frame includes a central office side and a drop side. A basket is arranged on the support frame for storing slack of a spliced buffer tube transitioning to the splice tray. The spliced storage arrangement is sized so as to be able to store slack of the spliced feeder cable buffer tube while maintaining a predetermined tube bend radius. A splice tray mounting arrangement is arranged on the drop side of the support frame for supporting the splice tray.