Integrated Splice Tray Connectors for Protected Fiber Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current splice tray designs do not incorporate modern industry-standard connectors, leading to increased cost and complexity in fiber optic installations, exposure of fiber optic cables, and increased risk of damage due to external connector arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A splice tray design that integrates fiber optic connectors directly into the frame, reducing the need for external connectors and protecting fibers by incorporating holders for connectors within the tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external connectors are used with current splice tray designs, then fiber optic connections can be established, but the part count and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates fiber optic connectors directly into the splice tray frame, merging two previously separate components (splice tray and external connectors) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for separate external connectors and their associated holders, thereby reducing part count and installation complexity while maintaining fiber optic connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice tray frame is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support for the splice tray, houses and protects fiber optic connectors, and enables fiber optic connections. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate external connectors, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining connection reliability.
2Reliability
If external connectors are used, then fiber optic connections can be made, but fiber exposure increases and risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating connectors within the splice tray frame structure, the patent creates a unified protective enclosure that houses both the splice tray and connectors. This eliminates the need for pigtail fibers to exit the tray for external connection, thereby minimizing fiber exposure and reducing the risk of damage from environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic connectors are nested within the splice tray frame structure, with the connectors housed inside the protective frame. This nested arrangement protects the connectors and fiber endpoints from environmental exposure while maintaining connection capability, eliminating the need for external connector mounting.
3Ease of operation
If external connector holders are used, then connectors can be mounted, but access to sensitive components is required during installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connector housing function with the splice tray frame structure, eliminating the need for separate external connector holders. Connectors are directly mounted within the frame, simplifying both installation and maintenance procedures by reducing the number of components that require assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice tray frame serves as both the structural support and the connector mounting structure. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate external connector holders, thereby simplifying installation and maintenance operations while maintaining full connector mounting capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A splice tray and methods of use are disclosed. The splice tray having fiber optic connectors attached to built-in holders. The splice tray includes a volume for holding fibers of a fiber optic cable. Fibers are fed into the splice tray through entry gaps, and are coiled within the splice tray. Spliced segments of fiber are held in a splice holder. Fibers are spliced to the fiber optic connectors. The splice tray ensures protection of fibers within, and minimizes the need to access the components within.