Adjustable Adapter Trough for Telecommunication Backmount Frames

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Solution Overview

Problem

Telecommunication network operators face challenges in upgrading infrastructure as new connection strips need to be mounted on various existing backmount frames, requiring multiple mechanical adapters and extensive training for installers due to the diversity of frame types.

Innovation Solution

An adapter trough with adjustable bracket positions allows for secure mounting of telecommunication connection strips on backmount frames of different widths, eliminating the need for multiple adapters and enabling reuse across different frame types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated mechanical adapters are provided for different backmount frame types, then compatibility with various existing backmount frames is improved, but device complexity and installer training requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with backmount framesVSAvoidnumber of adapters
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter trough is designed with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple backmount frame types through a single adaptable component. The trough includes adjustable mounting brackets and elastic clamps that can be positioned and secured at different locations, allowing one adapter trough to serve multiple frame types rather than requiring separate dedicated adapters for each frame type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter trough incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable mounting brackets and elastic clamps that can be repositioned along the trough body. This dynamic positioning system allows the adapter to adapt its geometry to match different backmount frame widths and configurations, eliminating the need for multiple static dedicated adapters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated mechanical adapters are provided for different backmount frame types, then compatibility with various existing backmount frames is improved, but installer training requirements and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with backmount framesVSAvoidinstaller training time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By providing a single universal adapter trough design that can accommodate multiple backmount frame types, the invention eliminates the need for installers to learn and handle multiple different adapter types. The universal design reduces training time while maintaining compatibility across various frame types through its adjustable mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If new connection strips are shipped with multiple mechanical adapters, then installability on various backmount frames is improved, but loss of time and storage space increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallability on backmount framesVSAvoidtime for installer personnel
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The universal adapter trough design allows connection strips to be shipped with a single adapter that can be adjusted to fit various backmount frame types, eliminating the need to include multiple pre-configured adapters in the shipment. This reduces packaging volume and installation time while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If adapter trough is designed with fixed mounting positions, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different backmount frame widths decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadjustment to installation width
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter trough incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including movable mounting brackets and elastic clamps that can be repositioned along the trough body. These dynamic elements allow the adapter to be adjusted to different installation widths after manufacturing, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving adaptability to various backmount frame dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3477960B1Adapter trough
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 CORNING RES & DEV CORP
  • EP3477960B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3477960B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3477960B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Adapter trough for mounting telecommunication connection strips on a backmount frame. The adapter trough comprises a) strip mounting means for mounting the connection strips in the adapter trough, and b) an adapter bracket for attaching the adapter trough to the backmount frame. The adapter bracket can be secured to the strip mounting means in any bracket position between a first bracket position and a second bracket position, so that by selecting the bracket position, an installation size of the adapter trough can be adjusted to an installation width of the backmount frame.