Stackable Fiber Optic Splice Holder for High-Density Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern fiber optic networks face challenges in accommodating the increasing number of fiber optic cables and optical fibers at termination points, making it difficult to effectuate all necessary splices and store them securely within standard-sized fiber optic connection boxes.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fiber optic splice holder with stackability features, including sidewalls, a floor section, optical splice retainers, and specific retention features, allows for the secure retention and multi-tiered stacking of splices, enhancing storage capacity and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a standard sized fiber optic connection box is used, then the device complexity is limited, but the storage capacity for optical splices is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection box is divided into a base and multiple stackable trays, where each tray can independently hold optical splices. This segmentation allows the storage capacity to be expanded by adding more trays without increasing the complexity of the base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-layer storage structure to a multi-layer vertical stacking structure. By utilizing the vertical dimension, the storage capacity is significantly increased while the horizontal footprint remains compact, effectively resolving the contradiction between capacity and complexity.
2Productivity
If the number of fiber optic cables and optical fibers is increased, then the bandwidth and connectivity are improved, but the difficulty of splicing and storing splices increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the large number of splices into multiple trays, each tray can be managed independently. This segmentation makes the splicing process more organized and easier to handle, allowing installers to work with smaller batches of fibers at a time while supporting high bandwidth requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical stacking arrangement provides better organization and accessibility for a large number of splices compared to a single-layer layout. Installers can access specific trays without disturbing others, making the splicing and storage process more manageable despite the increased number of fibers.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple splices are stored in a compact space, then the storage capacity is increased, but the accessibility to individual splices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Each tray is designed as a separate, accessible unit that can be independently removed or accessed. This segmentation allows installers to retrieve specific splices from individual trays without having to access or move other trays, maintaining ease of operation despite high storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical stacking arrangement provides hierarchical access to splices. Installers can access trays at different vertical levels independently, which improves accessibility compared to a densely packed single-layer configuration where all splices compete for the same access space.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic cable and splice storage compartment (406) includes a lower panel (412), a plurality of receptacles (208) disposed on or within the lower panel (412), each of the receptacles (208) being dimensioned to insertably receive and retain a rectangular fiber optic splice holder (100), a plurality of retaining walls (414) at peripheral edges of the lower panel (412), each of the retaining walls (414) comprising a lower section (428) that adjoins the lower panel (412) and an upper section (430) that adjoins the lower section (428), one or more gaps (416) between immediately adjacent ones of the retaining walls (414), and first and second bend controls (418) disposed on the lower panel (412). The plurality of receptacles (208) is between the first and second bend controls (418). The first and second bend controls (418) each comprise a curved surface that extends transversely to the lower panel (412).