Patent Grant
11899260
Embodiments of this disclosure relate to assemblies, systems, and methods for deploying fiber optic cable to a fiber optic device.
Due to the high demand for telecommunication services, fiber optic networks are becoming more popular worldwide. To build fiber optic networks, a service provider installs multiple fiber optic cables, which can require multiple fiber distribution terminals that optically couple the fibers of fiber optic cables. Fiber distribution terminals can provide multiple access points to a fiber optic network, which is useful when providing network access to a plurality of separate units in multiple-unit buildings such as apartments, condominiums, businesses, and the like.
A plurality of end-user separate units can include an end-user fiber optic device such as optical node terminals, Ethernet routers, desktop computers, laptops and/or presentation screens and the like. Each end-user fiber optic device can be located at different locations within each separate subscriber unit. Thus, the length and orientation of each fiber optic cable running to the end-user fiber optic device varies from one subscriber end-user device to another subscriber end-user device. So for each installation, the installer must cut the fiber optic cable to a specific length and then fix a connection between the subscriber end-user device and a network terminal. Moreover, each subscriber end-user device has specific adapter ports that require a specific connector installed at the fiber optic cable. So each time the installer must configure specific connectors that are adapted to optically couple with the specific adapter ports of the subscriber end-user device.
Typically, the network installer performs these tasks at the installation site as required by the particular network terminal and subscriber devices. This increases the burden of the installer to carry the necessary adapters, connectors, optical fiber cables, and fiber distribution terminals as well as various installation tools. This is also time consuming and requires specific skills such as splicing of the optical fiber cables, and configuring the specific connectors to each optical fiber.
Accordingly, there is a need for fiber optic cable deployment assemblies and systems that can be easily installed to connect a subscriber end-user device to a network.
In some embodiments, an assembly for deploying fiber optic cable includes a housing, a spool, and a component module. The housing defines a cavity and includes a wall. The wall defines an opening that allows a first portion of a fiber optic cable to pass there through. The spool stores a second portion of the fiber optic cable and is rotatably coupled to the housing within the cavity of the housing. The component module is releasably coupled to the housing. The component module includes an adapter configured to optically couple the fiber optic cable to another fiber optic cable.
The fiber optic cable stored on the spool can include a pre-terminated fiber connector configured to be optically coupled to the adapter. The pre-terminated fiber connector can be configured to be releasably coupled to the adapter.
The spool can include a connector holder configured to releasably couple the pre-terminated fiber connector to the spool. The connector holder can be configured to be releasably coupled to a panel of the spool.
The assembly can include a fan out that separates fibers of the fiber optic cable. The fan out can be coupled to the spool. The spool can also include a retaining structure configured to releasably couple the fan out to the spool.
The spool can be positioned between the component module and the housing such that the component module secures the spool within the cavity defined by the housing. The spool can rotate while the component module remains stationary.
The component module can be releasably coupled to the housing at a plurality of orientations relative to the housing.
The assembly is configured to be mounted to a mounting surface. In some embodiments, the assembly can be configured to be mounted to a mounting bracket that (a) positions the opening defined by the wall of the housing within a cavity defined by the mounting surface and (b) positions the adapter on a side of the mounting surface opposite of the cavity defined by the mounting surface. In some embodiments, the assembly is configured to be mounted to a mounting bracket that positions the opening defined by the wall of the housing and the adapter on the same side of the mounting surface.
The component module can also include an electronic component. The electronic component can be an access point to a wireless network or an internet of things gateway.
The assembly can also include a second component module releasably coupled to the component module comprising the adapter. The second component module can include an electronic component or another adapter.
The component module comprising the adapter can also include at least two locations configured to secure the adapter.
In some embodiments, a fiber distribution system includes a fiber distribution terminal. The fiber distribution terminal includes a first fiber optic cable, a rotatable spool storing a portion of the first fiber optic cable, and a first adapter optically coupled to the first fiber optic cable. The system further includes an assembly, separate from the fiber distribution terminal, that includes a second rotatable spool storing a second fiber optic cable optically coupled to the first adapter. The assembly also includes a second adapter optically coupled to the second fiber optic cable, and includes a third fiber optic cable optically coupled to the second adapter. And the system includes an end-user fiber optic device optically coupled to the third fiber optic cable.
The assembly can be positioned at a subscriber location. The subscriber location can be a separate unit of a multi-unit building. The fiber distribution terminal can be located outside of the subscriber location.
The system can also include a second assembly, separate from the fiber distribution terminal. The second assembly can include a third rotatable spool storing a fourth fiber optic cable. The second assembly can also include a third adapter optically coupled to the fourth fiber optic cable. The system can also include a fifth fiber optic cable optically coupled to the third adapter, and a second end-user fiber optic device optically coupled to the fifth fiber optic cable. The fiber distribution terminal can include a fourth adapter that optically couples the first fiber optic cable to the fourth fiber optic cable.
The first assembly can also include a housing that defines a cavity and includes a wall. The wall can define an opening through which the third fiber optic cable passes. The second spool can be rotatably mounted to the housing within the cavity of the housing. The first assembly can also include a component module releasably coupled to the housing. The component module is configured to releasably couple with the second adapter.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the embodiments and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the embodiments.
The features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout.
The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s). The invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.
The embodiment(s) described, and references in the specification to “an example,” “for example,” “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “exemplary,” etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is understood that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
Exemplary Housings
Referring collectively to
As shown in
In some embodiments, walls 116 define at least one opening that allows one or more fiber optic cables to enter cavity 119. For example, walls 116 can define an opening 120 at a corner of housing 102, as shown in
Housing 102 can be configured to releasably couple with component module 104 such that an installer can easily and repeatedly attach or detach component module 104 to housing 102. For example, housing 102 can include a plurality of prongs 112 extending from walls 116. Prongs 112 are configured to interlock with respective grooves 121 defined by component module 104 to releasably couple component module 104 to housing 102. In some embodiments, as best seen in
Housing 102 can also include a boss 122 extending from panel 118. Boss 122 is configured to rotatably couple spool 108 to housing 102. Boss 122 is configured (i.e., shaped and sized) to fit within a corresponding cavity defined by spool 108 such that spool 108 can rotate about an axis defined by boss 122. As best seen in
Boss 122 can be cylindrical and hollow, as shown in
Housing 102 can be configured to be mounted directly to a mounting surface (for example, a wall, pole, or shelf) or can be configured to be mounted to a bracket that is mounted to the mounting surface. In some embodiments, housing 102 includes one or more channels 126 configured to receive a fastener (for example, a bolt, screw, or nail) to secure housing 102 to the mounting surface or mounting bracket. In some embodiments, channels 126 are aligned with openings defined by a mounting bracket to which housing 102 will be coupled. Channels 126 can be located in the corners of housing 102 in some embodiments.
In some embodiments, housing 102 also includes one or more cable guides 128 for efficiently containing fiber optic cable stored on spool 108 rotatably coupled to housing 102. For example, housing 102 can include four cable guides 128 as shown in
In some embodiments, housing 102 is the closet component of assembly 100 to the mounting surface and/or mounting bracket. In other embodiments, assembly 100 can include other components, for example, another housing, between housing 102 and the mounting surface.
Exemplary Spools
Referring collectively to
Each connector 186 can be releasably and optically coupled to a respective adapter 172 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, connector 186 includes a pre-terminated fiber ferrule, for example, a SC fiber ferrule or LC fiber ferrule. The fiber ferrule of each connector 186 can be configured to be received within adapter 172, for example, an SC or LC adapter.
Spool 108 can include a cylindrical drum 130 configured to store the one or more fiber optic cables 180. For example, at least a portion of a fiber optic cable 180 can be wrapped around cylindrical drum 130. In some embodiments, the radius of cylindrical drum 130 is at least the minimum bend radius of the fiber optic cable 180 being stored on drum 130. In some embodiments, spool 108 is configured to store about 25 feet to about 150 feet of fiber optic cable 180, for example, about 50 feet.
In some embodiments, cylindrical drum 130 is configured to store up to about 50 feet of fiber optic cable. In some embodiments, if more than the maximum cable capacity of cylindrical drum 130, for example, more than 50 feet of cable, is needed for a particular installation, assembly 100 can be releasably and operatively coupled to an excess cable spool assembly 181 having a second spool 183 that stores cable 185 in excess of the maximum cable capacity of cylindrical drum 130, for example, the cable portion in excess of about 50 feet.
In some embodiments, excess cable spool assembly 181 also includes a handle 193 rotatably attached to second spool 183. Handle 193 can be removably or fixedly attached to spool 183. Handle 193 can be made of, for example, plastic or any other suitable material with sufficient rigidity to withstand the forces applied to assembly 181 while paying out excess cable 185. As shown in
In some embodiments, assembly 100 is releasably attached to flange 191, and handle 193 is attached to flange 189 opposite the releasably mounted assembly 100. For example, a portion of assembly 100, for example, housing 102 or component module 104 of assembly 100, can be releasably attached to flange 191 using an interference fit connection (for example, a snap fit or press fit connection), an adhesive or bonding agent, or any other suitable releasable coupling mechanism.
As shown in
Fiber optic cable 180 can be single- or multi-fiber optic cable. In some embodiments, fiber optic cable 180 has a diameter in range of about 2 mm to about 5 mm, and can be as small as 0.9 mm or smaller. In some embodiments, fiber optic cable 180 has a maximum diameter of no more than about 3 mm. In some embodiments, fiber optic cable 180 is single mode or multi-mode fiber. In some embodiments, fiber optic cable 180 is bend insensitive fiber.
In some embodiments, spool 108 includes cable retention structures that are configured to keep fiber optic cable 180 wrapped around cylindrical drum 130. For example, as shown in
In other embodiments (not shown), the cable retention structures can be solid flanges (as opposed to spaced apart tabs) that extend from the axial ends of cylindrical drum 130.
As best seen in
In other embodiments (not show), spool 108 can define a boss that is configured to be received in a cavity defined by housing 102 such that spool 108 is rotatably coupled to housing 102.
Spool 108 can also include a panel 138 configured to mount one or more components.
In some embodiments, panel 138 is integral with cylindrical drum 130. Panel 138 can be positioned at the axial end of cylindrical drum 130 farthest from housing 102. As shown in
Panel 138 can define one or more openings 140 configured to mate with other components. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, the connector holder configured to mate with opening 140 can be either a two connector holder 142 (as shown in
As best seen in
In some embodiments, panel 138 also includes one or more cable guides 148. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, spool 108 also includes a handle 156 configured to allow a user to easily rotate spool 108 relative to housing 102. As shown in
Exemplary Connector Holders
Referring to
Referring to
Exemplary Component Modules
Embodiments of component module 104 will be described with collective reference to
In some embodiments, the one or more adapters 172 can be SC adapters, LC adapters, or a combination of SC and LC adapters. In some embodiments, adapters 172 can be 1.times.SC simplex adapters, 1.times.LC duplex adapters, 2.times.SC simplex adapters, 2.times.LC duplex adapters, or any combination thereof. In other embodiments, adapters 172 can be adapters other than SC or LC adapters.
Component module 104 can define a cavity 157 configured to store at least one or more components such as fiber optic components, for example, one or more adapters 172 and/or electrical components. Component module 104 can include a panel 158 (which can be a back wall of component module 104). Panel 158 can be substantially square and planar as shown in
Walls 160 can define one or more openings 162 configured to allow access to one or more fiber optic cables within assembly 100, for example, via adapters 172. In some embodiments, as best seen in
Panel 158 can define an opening 164 that provides access to spool 108 (and particularly, to panel 138 of spool 108) rotatably mounted to housing 102. In some embodiments, opening 164 has a circular shape that closely corresponds to the circular shape of panel 138 of spool 108. Opening 164 is positioned on component module 104 such that when component module 104 is releasably coupled to housing 102, opening 164 is aligned with panel 138 of spool 108.
In some embodiments, component module 104 includes a plurality of cable guides 166 configured to guide portions of fiber optic cables along component module 104. In some embodiments, cable guides 166 extend from the perimeter of opening 164 defined by panel 158. In some embodiments, component module 104 includes three cable guides equally spaced about the center of opening 164.
Component module 104 can also include a lock 168 configured to selectively stop rotation of spool 108 relative to housing 102 at a fixed position. Locking spool 108 can prevent undesirable pay-out of fiber optic cable 180. For example, lock 168 can be a slidable or rotatable latch that engages a groove or opening on spool (for example, a groove or opening defined by retaining tabs 132 of spool 108) to stop rotation of spool 108. In other embodiments, lock 168 can be a screw lock, a bolt lock, or a knob lock, or any other suitable lock to stop rotation of spool 108.
Component module 104 can include one or more first adapter retaining structures 169 configured to securely and releasably retain one or more adapters 172. Each adapter retaining structure 169 can be configured to optically couple the connectorized ends 186 of fiber optic cable 180 stored on spool 108 to one or more connectorized ends of a drop fiber optic cable optically coupled to an end-user fiber optic device, for example, an optical network terminal, located within an end-user's location. In some embodiments, first adapter retaining structure 169 can include a pair of posts 174 that are configured to cooperatively engage adapter 172. Each posts 174 can define a channel configured to receive a respective groove on adapter 172 such that adapter 172 slides relative to posts 174.
Component module 104 can also include one or more second adapter retaining structure 173 configured to securely and releasably retain one or more adapters 172 at a position accessible to a user from openings 162. For example, adapter retaining structure 173 can be adjacent openings 162 defined by walls 160. Adapter retaining structure 173 can be configured to retain one or more adapters 172 that correspond to the number of openings 162. In some embodiments, second adapter retaining structure 173 includes three posts 174 that are configured to cooperatively engage two adapters 172. Each posts 174 can define a channel configured to receive a respective groove on adapter 172 such that adapter 172 slides relative to posts 174.
In some embodiments, component module 104 includes a rubber grommet 176 (shown in
In some embodiments, component module 104 includes a solid cover 177 configured to close an opening 162 defined by walls 160 of component module 104. In some embodiments, cover 177 is a punch out cover that allows a user to selectively remove cover 177 to create opening 162 as per the requirement of the number of subscriber connections and the network terminal. In other embodiments, cover 177 is slidable or rotatably coupled to walls 160.
In some embodiments, panel 158 of component module 104 defines one or more openings 178 configured to allow a fastener to pass through. In some embodiments, openings 178 are aligned with fastener channels 126 on housing 102. Openings 178 can be positioned in the corners of component module 104 in some embodiments.
Referring to
Component module 104 can be configured such that component module 104 can be releasable coupled to housing 102 in at least two different orientations relative to housing 102 based on the requirement of fiber optic cable 180, the desired orientation of openings 162, or the position of adapter 172 on panel 158. For example, component module 104 is configured such that component module 104 can be releasable coupled to housing 102 at four different orientations relative to housing 102.
In some embodiments, releasably coupling component module 104 to housing 102 secures spool 108 within cavity 119 defined by housing 102, while spool 108 can freely rotate within cavity 119. In some embodiments, spool 108 is positioned between component module 104 and housing 102, and at least a portion (for example, a portion of panel 158) overlaps with a portion of spool 108 (for example, a portion of tabs 132) in the direction of the axis of rotation of spool 108. This overlap can secure spool 108 within cavity 119.
In some embodiments, assembly 100 includes two or more component modules 104 that can be releasably coupled to each other, for example, in stackable in series. In some multi-component-module embodiments, one component module 104 includes adapter 172, and one component module 104 includes an electronic component 282 (embodiments of which are described further below). In some multi-component-module embodiments, one component module 104 includes both an adapter 172 and electronic component 282, and one component module 104 includes both an adapter 172 and an electronic component 282 (embodiments of which are described further below)
Exemplary Covers
Assembly 100 can also optionally include a cover 106. Embodiments of cover 106 will be described with collective reference to
In some embodiments, cover 106 is releasably coupled to component module 104 such that the cover 106 can be removed to provide user access to cavity 157 defined by component module 104. In other embodiments, cover 106 is not releasably coupled to component module 104, but is coupled to component module 104 in a movable manner such that the cover can move between an open position and a closed position.
In some embodiments, cover 106 includes a wall 110. Wall 110 can be substantially square and planar as shown in
In some embodiments, cover 106 can define a plurality of through slots 114. Slots 114 can provide ventilation to the components stored within assembly 100.
Cover 106 can include one or more retaining prongs to releasably coupled cover 106 to component module 104. For example, cover 106 can include a pair of retaining prongs 212 that extend from wall 110 toward housing 102. Retaining prongs 212 are configured to cooperatively engage grooves defined by component module 104 such that cover 106 is releasably mounted to component module 104. In some embodiments, retaining prongs 212 are located on the same side of cover 106 as shown
In other embodiments (not shown), cover 106 is rotatably or slidably mounted to component module 104.
Exemplary Electronic Components
In some embodiments, assembly 100 can also include one or more electronic components 282. For example, as shown in
In some embodiments, electronic component 282 can be, for example, a wireless network component such as an Ethernet switch or an access point for a wireless network, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth network access point.
In some embodiments, electronic component 282 can be an optical-to-electrical media converter. In some of such embodiments, the optical-to-electrical media converter can convert an optical signal from fiber optic cable 180 to an electrical signal to be communicated by cable 278. For example, the optical-to-electrical media converter can be optical network terminal.
In some embodiments, electronic component 282 is a microphone, a camera, and/or a phone.
In some embodiments, electronic component 282 is an RFID reader.
In some embodiments, electronic component 282 can by any component used in home alarm or monitoring systems. For example, electronic component 282 can be a smoke detector, a motion detector, a water leak detector, a carbon monoxide detector, video camera, a speaker, or a glass break detector.
In some embodiments, electronic component 282 is an internet of things gateway. For example, electronic component 282 can be a gateway that communicates with, for example, fitness and health monitors, household and business appliances, household and business devices, any other device configured to be connected to the internet.
In some embodiments, electronic component 282 is configured to transmit and receive data using a cable 278. Cable 278 can be an Ethernet cable, a USB cable, or Fire Wire cable, or any other suitable data transmission cable. In some embodiments, electronic component 282 is also configured to be powered by cable 278. For example, electronic component 282 can be powered by power over Ethernet using an Ethernet cable, or electronic component 282 can be powered by USB power delivery using a USB cable.
In some embodiments, electronic component 282 is coupled to cable 278 using a connector 276. In some embodiments, connector 276 is a blind mate connector. In other embodiments, connector 276 is magnetic power connector such that electronic component 282 can be easily detached from connector 276.
In some embodiments, electronic component 282 is optically coupled directly to fiber optic cable 180.
Component module 104 can be configured (i.e., shaped and sized) to house electronic component 282 and adapter 172 at least partially (and, in some embodiments, entirely) within cavity 157 defined by component module 104. In some multi-component-module embodiments, one component module 104 can be configured (i.e., shaped and sized) to house electronic component 282 at least partially (and, in some embodiments, entirely) within cavity 157, and another one component module 104 can be configured (i.e., shaped and sized) to house adapter 172 at least partially (and, in some embodiments, entirely) within cavity 157.
Exemplary Mounting Brackets
Referring to
Wall mounting bracket 216 includes a panel 218. Panel 218 can be substantially square and planar in some embodiments, as shown in
Panel 218 can define a plurality of opening 222 configured to receive fasteners to secure bracket 216 to the mounting surface. For example, in some embodiments, the pattern of openings 222 corresponds to the pattern of known fastener receiving openings of electrical gang boxes or other desired mounting surfaces.
Panel 218 can also define a pair of openings 220 configured to receive fasteners passing through channels 126 of housing 102 and openings 178 of component module 104. These fasteners can engage the surfaces defining opening 220 of bracket 216 to secure assembly 100 to bracket 216 and, thus, to the mounting surface to which bracket 216 is coupled.
In some embodiments, bracket 216 includes at least one wall 221 extending from panel 218. Wall 221 spaces panel 218 away from the mounting surface. Wall 221 can define an opening 223. An installer can route cable portion 182 extending from opening 120 of housing 102 through opening 223 towards the mounting surface, for example, into an electrical gang box or through an opening defined in a wall mounting surface.
In some embodiments, the installer can route cable portion 182 extending from opening 120 into a surface raceway before or after mounting assembly 100 to bracket 216.
Exemplary Mounting Cradles
Embodiments of a mounting cradle 224 will be described with collective reference to
Cradle 224 can define a cavity 230 configured to closely receive at least a portion of assembly 100. In some embodiments, cradle 224 can include a housing 226. Housing 226 can be substantially rectangular and planar as shown in
In some embodiments, cradle 224 also includes a projection 234 extending from an upper portion of a wall 228 and away from housing 226. Projection 234 can provide support to assembly 100 by preventing assembly 100 from rotating relative to housing 226. In some embodiments, projection 234 includes a retaining prong 236 configured to cooperatively engage a corresponding retaining groove on a surface of assembly 100, for example, a back surface of assembly 100 to releasably couple assembly 100 to cradle 224.
In some embodiments, cradle 224 is configured to be fixedly secured to the mounting surface. For example, housing 226 can define an opening 232 configured to receive a fastener to fixedly secure cradle 224 to the mounting service.
At this configuration, assembly 100 is releasably coupled to cradle 224, which can be positioned on any suitable mounting surface.
Also illustrated in
Exemplary Stud Mounting Assemblies
Embodiments of an assembly for mounting assembly 100 to studs within a wall will be described with collective reference to
In some embodiments, the stud mounting assembly can include a stud mounting bracket 238 configured to be fixedly coupled to a stud within a wall. Bracket 238 can include a panel 240. In some embodiment, as shown in
In some embodiments, bracket 238 includes one or more prongs 246 extending from the edges of side panels 241 and 244. Prongs 246 are configured to provide additional points of attachment to either the stud or an adjacent wall surface as shown in
The stud mounting assembly can also include a mounting surface bracket 252 as shown in
In some embodiments, as collectively shown in
Exemplary Wall Mounting Assemblies
Embodiments of an assembly for mounting assembly 100 to position on a wall that is not next to studs with collective reference to
The hollow wall mounting assembly can include a wall mounting bracket 266 configured to be fixedly coupled to mounting surface 264. Bracket 266 can include a panel 272 and walls 270 extending from the perimeter of panel 272. Panel 272 and walls 270 can collectively define a cavity 274 configured to closely receive a portion of assembly 100. In some embodiments, cavity 274 is configured (i.e., shaped and sized) to create a friction fit or a snap fit with assembly 100. In some embodiment, as shown in
Bracket 266 can also include a flange 268 configured to mount flush against mounting surface 264. Bracket 266 can also include one or more anchors 269 configured to couple bracket 266 to any wall surface. Anchors 269 can be, for example, elongated arms that extend outward from walls 270 to clamp the wall between the elongated arms and flange 268.
Exemplary Cable Routing & Component Configurations
Embodiments of cable routing will be described with reference to
Component module 104, spool 108, and housing 102 are collectively configured such that a gap 192 is formed between panel 138 of spool 108 and panel 158 of component module 104. Gap 192 allows a portion of the jacketed portion 190 of cable 180 to pass from cylindrical drum 130 to panel 138 accessible to a user from cavity 157 defined by component module 104.
In some embodiments, a substantially portion of the jacketed portion 190 is stored around cylindrical drum 130 of spool 108. The portion of cable 180 including first end portion 182 can exit assembly 100 through opening 120 defined by walls 116 of housing 102. And the portion of cable 180 that includes second end portion 184 can pass from cylindrical drum 130 of spool 108 to the face of panel 138 through the gap 192. Then this portion of jacketed portion 190 is routed around the periphery of panel 138 through channels 154 defined in part by cable guides 148. And then end portion 184 having a connector 184 can be stored initially at, for example, connector holder 142, as shown in
Then connector 186 can be decoupled from connector holder 142 and optically coupled to a respective adapter 172 secured by retaining structure 173 on component module 104. In some embodiments, connector 186 is coupled with jacketed portion 190 of fiber cable 180 via a fan out coupled to retaining structure 144.
Exemplary Applications and Methods of Use
In some embodiments, assembly 100 is used in a fiber optic distribution system 300 for FTTx applications as illustrated in
In some FTTP embodiments, a plurality of assemblies 100 can be used to distribute fiber optic cable throughout a multi-unit building 302 having a plurality of separate units 304. Multi-unit building 302 can be, for example, an apartment building or an office building having one or more separate units 304, for example, apartments or offices, that need fiber optic cable service. Each separate unit 304 typically needs at least one single fiber connection, and the entire multi-unit building 302 needs a plurality of fibers to service every separate unit 304. To service multi-unit building 302, the fiber optic cable provider will run a fiber optic feeder cable 306 to a fiber distribution hub (FDH) 308 that splits the signal transmission. Fiber optic feeder cable 306 can include 1, 12, 24, 48, 72, or any other suitable number of fibers. FDH 308 can be outside or inside the multi-unit building 302. FDH 308 can be optically coupled to a fiber distribution terminal (FDT) 310 via a multi-fiber optic cable 312 running between FDH 308 and FDT 310. Multi-fiber cable 312 can have, for example, 12, 24, 48, 72, or 144 fibers, or any other suitable number of fibers.
FDT 310 can be any FDT described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,081,857, issued Dec. 20, 2011, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,903,215, issued Dec. 2, 2014. Each of U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,081,857 and 8,903,215 are incorporated herein by reference. For example, FDT 310 can include a rotatable spool that stores a portion of fiber optic cable 310. The spool of FDT 310 can include a plurality of adapters optically coupled to the fibers of fiber optic cable 312.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, fiber optic cable 180 stored on spool 108 is paid out (i.e., un wrapped from drum 130) by pulling end portion 182 of fiber optic cable 180 away from assembly 100. As fiber optic cable 180 is paid out, spool 108 rotates relative to housing 102 while component module 104 remains stationary. Fiber optic cable 180 can be easily paid out from assembly 100 while mounted to a mounting location or while removed from the mounting location. Fiber optic cable 180 is paid out until end portion 182 reaches the end of the single fiber drop from an FDT. Rotation of spool 108 of assembly 100 allows an installer to easily achieve the need length of fiber optic cable 180 to reach the end of fiber optic cable 314 while efficiently storing the excess cable on cylindrical drum 130. End portion 182 is then optically coupled to the end of fiber optic cable drop 314. For example, end portion 182 of fiber optic cable 180 can include a connector, and the end of fiber optic cable 314 can include a connector that can be optically coupled to the connector at end portion 182 using adapter 316.
In some embodiments, assembly 100 is used in new construction of multi-unit buildings and in applications in which a multi-unit building is being retrofitted with a FTTx network.
The fiber-optic device in the separate unit can then be optically coupled to fiber optic cable 180 via adapter 172 on component module 104. For example, a patch fiber optic cable 320 optically coupled to end-user fiber optic device 318 can be coupled to adapter 172 accessible to the installer through opening 162, thereby optically coupling end-user fiber optic device 318 to the network.
It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention(s) as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit the present invention(s) and the appended claims in any way.
The present invention(s) have been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention(s) that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention(s). Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.
The breadth and scope of the present invention(s) should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
This is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 16/506,376, filed Jul. 9, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 15/476,690, filed Mar. 31, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,359,590, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/318,045, filed Apr. 4, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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