Stackable Fiber Optic Splice Holder With Staggered Siderails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern fiber optic communication networks face challenges in securely storing and mounting a high number of fiber optic splices within standard-sized connection boxes due to increased bandwidth and connectivity demands.

Innovation Solution

A modular fiber optic splice holder with semi-rigid, contoured retention posts and staggered siderails that form channels to securely hold and organize multiple splices, allowing for efficient storage and easy access while minimizing stress on the splices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If standard sized fiber optic connection boxes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the quantity of splices that can be stored securely is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of splicesVSAvoidconnection box volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection box is divided into multiple modular splice holder units, each capable of independently holding multiple splices. These modular units can be stacked vertically and arranged in rows, allowing the system to scale capacity without proportionally increasing the volume of individual components. Each module uses retention posts and siderails to secure splices efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional horizontal arrangement of splices in traditional connection boxes to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple splice holder modules are stacked vertically one on top of another, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase storage capacity. This allows many more splices to be stored in the same footprint without requiring a proportional increase in horizontal volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of stationary object

If more splices are stored in a compact space, then volume efficiency is improved, but stress on the splices increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection box volumeVSAvoidstress on splices

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Different components of the splice holder are designed with specific local properties to manage stress distribution. The retention posts are positioned and shaped to contact splices at optimal points, while the siderails are configured to provide lateral support without excessive compression. The floor section and sidewalls are designed to distribute loads evenly across multiple splices, preventing localized stress concentration that could damage the fibers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The structural design incorporates inherent stress-distributing features that prevent excessive force from concentrating on individual splices. The modular construction with multiple retention points and the staggered arrangement of components create a system that naturally distributes mechanical stresses, protecting splices from damage during installation and maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If retention posts and siderails are added to secure splices, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesplice securityVSAvoidsplice holder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention posts and siderails are designed as multi-functional components. The retention posts not only secure splices vertically but also contribute to the structural integrity of the module and facilitate stacking. The siderails provide lateral support for splices while also serving as structural elements that reinforce the overall module design. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, managing complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250012996A1Stackable fiber optic splice holder with space efficient splice holder retention

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 AMPHENOL NETWORK SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A fiber optic splice holder (100) includes first and second sidewalls (102), a floor section (104) extending between the first and second sidewalls (102), a plurality of fiber optic splice sleeve retention post (114) that extend up from the floor section (104), and first and second siderails (116) that extend up from the floor section (104), wherein the plurality of fiber optic splice sleeve retention post (114) is arranged between the first and second siderails (116), wherein upper ends of the first and second siderails (116) are disposed below upper ends the fiber optic splice sleeve retention post (114), wherein the fiber optic splice sleeve retention post (114) each comprise splice sleeve side contact surfaces (118) that face one of the first and second sidewalls (102), and wherein the first and second siderails (116) each comprise splice sleeve end contact surfaces (124) that face the plurality of fiber optic splice sleeve retention post (114) and run substantially perpendicular to the splice sleeve side contact surfaces (118).