Spooling Cable System for MDU Fiber Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) environments, field splicing of fiber optic cables is labor-intensive and error-prone due to limited space and non-ideal splicing conditions, increasing installation time and cost, while also requiring additional slack storage.
Innovation Solution
A spool system with a spool and spool support featuring a center axis of rotation and an anti-rotation feature, allowing the spool to move between stowed and deployed positions, equipped with plug & play connectors on each end of the fiber optic cable, reducing the need for field splicing and minimizing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If field splicing is performed to minimize slack storage, then space requirements are reduced, but labor time and cost increase due to manual splicing operations
Solution Approach 1:
Connectors are pre-installed on fiber optic cables in a controlled factory environment before deployment. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field splicing operations, reducing both installation time and potential errors while maintaining minimal slack storage requirements through precise factory-length cable cutting
Solution Approach 2:
A spool support mechanism acts as an intermediary device that holds and deploys pre-connectorized fiber optic cables. The spool support system manages cable deployment and storage, enabling minimal slack storage while eliminating field splicing operations through controlled cable dispensing
2Adaptability or versatility
If field splicing is performed to adapt to different installation conditions, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing precision decreases due to non-ideal field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
All connector installations and splicing operations are performed in advance in controlled factory environments where precision tools and stable conditions ensure high manufacturing quality. The pre-connectorized cables maintain consistent connection quality across diverse field installation conditions without requiring skilled field splicing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters from field-based manual splicing to factory-based automated connector installation. This parameter change transfers the process from variable field conditions to controlled factory conditions, ensuring consistent high precision regardless of installation location or environmental factors
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network elements are deployed to serve multiple premises, then service coverage is improved, but reliability decreases due to increased failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The spool support mechanism serves multiple functions: it stores fiber optic cables, controls cable deployment, and eliminates the need for field splicing operations. This multi-functional device reduces the number of separate network elements and field operations required, thereby reducing potential failure points while maintaining ability to serve multiple premises
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes mounting a spool system at a floor level of a multiple dwelling unit. The floor level has multiple customer units. The spool system includes at least one spool of fiber optic cable. Each end of each fiber optic cable has a spliced-on connector. The method further includes paying out a length of fiber optic cable from the at least one spool to reach a customer unit of the floor level, connecting one of the connectors of the paid-out fiber optic cable to a floor splitter, and connecting the floor splitter to a distribution splitter of the multiple dwelling unit.