Adaptable Splice Tray Base Structure for Mixed Cable Organization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communications equipment enclosures are limited to installing only one type of splice tray, requiring time-consuming and costly modifications to accommodate different types of splice trays, which restricts flexibility in cable organization patterns.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a base structure with adaptable splice tray connection features and an adapter system that allows multiple types of splice trays with varying cable organization patterns to be installed simultaneously, using integrally formed attachment features and conduits to route cables efficiently within the enclosure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the base structure is configured to receive only one type of splice tray, then the installation process is simple and standardized, but the adaptability and functional optionality are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure is designed with universal splice tray connection features that can accommodate multiple types of splice trays through standardized attachment interfaces. The connection features include attachment features that can receive different splice tray attachment features (first, second, and third types), enabling a single base structure to support various splice tray configurations without requiring modifications to the base structure itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the base structure is modified to accommodate different types of splice trays, then the adaptability is improved, but the installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure is pre-configured with multiple types of attachment features (first, second, and third attachment features) during manufacturing. These attachment features are designed in advance to accommodate different splice tray attachment features, eliminating the need for on-site modifications. Installers can directly install the appropriate splice tray type without requiring additional time for structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the base structure is modified to support different splice tray types, then the functional optionality is improved, but the skill level required from installers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional optionalityVSAvoidinstaller skill level

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure employs homogeneous attachment features that follow a consistent design pattern across all connection points. The first, second, and third attachment features are designed with uniform characteristics that can all receive corresponding splice tray attachment features. This homogeneity simplifies the installation process, as installers work with the same type of interface regardless of which splice tray type is being installed, reducing the skill level required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #33Homogeneity

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple splice trays with different organization patterns are installed in the same base structure, then the cable organization flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable organization flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base structure is segmented into multiple independent connection zones, each with its own attachment features. This segmentation allows different splice trays with different cable organization patterns to be installed in different zones of the same base structure. Each splice tray can be independently configured and installed without interfering with others, maintaining cable organization flexibility while managing complexity through modular segmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20240402451A1Devices, systems, and methods for attaching splice trays

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 CORNING RES & DEV CORP

AI summary

Systems and assemblies are provided that include a base structure, a first splice tray, a second splice tray, and/or an adapter. The base structure includes a plurality of splice tray connection features that each have attachment features configured to receive integrally formed first splice tray attachment features of the first splice tray and integrally formed third splice tray attachment features of the adapter. The adapter is connectable to the second splice tray such that the second splice tray can be received by the base structure. The second splice tray has integrally formed second attachment features that are connectable to the adapter. The integrally formed third splice tray attachment features of the adapter are configured to guide a cable into the base structure when the second splice tray is attached to the adapter and when the adapter is attached to the base structure.