Splice Tray Blocker for Fiber Optic Enclosure Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional local convergence points (LCPs) for multi-dwelling units (MDUs) are large, expensive, and require skilled technicians for installation and maintenance, with a need for cost-effective, smaller LCPs that can be installed and maintained by less skilled personnel while ensuring security and preventing unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic enclosure with movable tray blocker devices that separate access to OSP and ISP splice trays, allowing authorized access while preventing unauthorized access, and includes fiber routing guides to maintain a minimum bend radius and prevent damage to fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional LCPs are used to service high density MDUs, then the number of subscribers serviced is improved, but the size and cost of the LCP increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LCP is divided into multiple modular enclosure units, each housing a limited number of splice trays. This segmentation allows the system to service high density MDUs by combining multiple smaller enclosures rather than using one large LCP, thereby maintaining manageable size while increasing subscriber capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple splice trays are vertically stacked and nested within each enclosure unit, with trays positioned at different heights. This nesting arrangement maximizes the number of subscriber connections within a compact vertical space, enabling high density service without proportionally increasing the horizontal footprint of the LCP.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional LCPs are used for high density MDUs, then the number of subscribers serviced is improved, but the installation and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LCP is segmented into multiple independent enclosure units, each capable of being installed and maintained separately. This modular approach reduces complexity by allowing technicians to work on individual enclosures rather than navigating a single large complex system, making installation and maintenance more manageable for less skilled personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure lid is designed to be movable between open and closed positions, and tray blockers can be moved between blocked and unblocked positions. These dynamic features simplify maintenance by allowing easy access to specific trays without disassembling the entire LCP, reducing the skill level required for routine operations.
3Reliability
If tray blockers are added to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray blocker is designed to be manually movable by authorized personnel without requiring tools or complex mechanisms. This self-service approach provides security through simple physical blocking rather than electronic locks or complex authentication systems, maintaining low structural complexity while improving security.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray blocker acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the enclosure lid and the splice trays. It provides security by physically blocking access to specific trays while allowing authorized access when moved, adding minimal structural complexity compared to electronic security systems.
4Reliability
If fiber routing guides are added to maintain bend radius, then fiber protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber routing guide serves as an intermediary structure between the splice trays and the enclosure walls. It maintains the required bend radius by providing a guided path for fibers, protecting them from damage while adding minimal structural complexity through simple vertical and horizontal guide surfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for preventing access to one or more splice trays in a fiber optic patch enclosure including a plurality of splice trays is provided herein. The device comprises a body moveable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The device further comprises at least one protrusion extending away from the body, wherein, when the body is in an engaged position the at least one protrusion contacts at least one surface within the enclosure to prevent movement of the surface and corresponding access to one or more splice trays positioned below the surface. Additional device(s) may be positioned within the fiber optic patch enclosure to enable additional access configurations.