Universal Fan-Out Device With Resilient Fiber Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fan-out devices for optical fibers are customized for specific ribbon cable sizes and fiber configurations, making them inconvenient and expensive to produce in small quantities, as they require dedicated internal channels which limit their adaptability to various applications.
Innovation Solution
A universal fan-out device using resilient members to hold fibers in place within a housing with interlocking components, eliminating the need for dedicated internal channels, allowing it to accommodate a range of ribbon cable sizes and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated internal channels are used in fan-out devices, then fiber protection and control are improved, but device adaptability and versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces dedicated internal channels with a universal housing structure containing resilient members that can accommodate various fiber configurations. The housing with resilient members serves multiple functions: protecting fibers from damage, controlling fiber positioning, and adapting to different ribbon cable sizes and fan-out requirements, thereby achieving multi-functionality and universality.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient members can deform elastically to accommodate different fiber bundle sizes and configurations. This elastic deformation capability allows the same housing structure to adapt to varying parameters such as number of fibers, ribbon cable dimensions, and fan-out patterns, resolving the contradiction between fixed structure and variable requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If customized fan-out devices are fabricated for specific applications, then fiber protection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the fiber protection function from the positioning function. The housing provides structural protection while resilient members provide adaptive positioning. This segmentation allows a single standardized housing design to be used across multiple applications, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining protection precision through the elastic properties of the resilient members.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal housing design with resilient members can serve multiple customization needs without requiring custom fabrication. The same basic structure adapts to different applications through the elastic deformation of resilient members, eliminating the need for expensive custom tooling and small-batch manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If resilient members are used instead of dedicated channels, then device versatility is improved, but fiber positioning control may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient members are designed with specific elastic properties that allow them to deform within controlled parameters. This controlled elasticity provides both adaptability to different configurations and sufficient positioning control, as the deformation remains within predictable bounds that maintain fiber alignment and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure combines rigid materials for structural support with resilient materials for adaptive positioning. This composite approach maintains precise fiber positioning control through the rigid housing while allowing configuration flexibility through the elastic deformation of resilient members, resolving the contradiction between control and versatility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables flexible and cost-effective protection of optical fibers by preventing excessive bending and delamination, facilitating secure mounting, and accommodating various fiber configurations without the need for custom fabrication.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient material disposed in the channel to restrict movement of fibers within the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A universal fan-out device comprising a housing having first and second openings, the housing comprising first and second housing components, each of the first and second housing components having a first end and a second end, a channel running between the first and second ends, and sides along each side of the channel, a resilient material disposed in the channel to restrict movement of fibers within the channel, and an engagement mechanism operatively connected to the housing to inter-engage the first and second housing components together.