Automated Patch Panel Robotic Fiber Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber optic patch panels require manual configuration and tracking, which is time-consuming, costly, and prone to human error, posing safety hazards and limiting the flexibility and efficiency of fiber optic communication networks.
Innovation Solution
An automated patch panel system utilizing robotic mechanisms and tracking systems to engage and disengage optical fibers, reducing the need for manual intervention and enabling remote monitoring and control, thereby increasing reliability and reducing maintenance costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual configuration and tracking of fiber optic patch panels is performed, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the patch panel system automatically tracks and records its own connection states through sensors and processing units, eliminating the need for manual documentation and significantly reducing provisioning time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations of technicians are replaced with automated robotic mechanisms that can engage and disengage optical patch cords, substituting human labor with automated systems to increase productivity and reduce time loss
2Reliability
If manual tracking and recording of connections is performed, then comprehensive connection information is captured, but human error increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor connection states and provide feedback to a processing unit, which automatically updates tracking databases. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate, real-time recording of connection information without human intervention, eliminating human error while maintaining comprehensive tracking
Solution Approach 2:
Manual tracking operations are replaced with automated electronic sensing and data processing systems that objectively record connection states, substituting human-prone-to-error processes with reliable automated systems
3Manufacturing precision
If highly trained technicians perform patch cord provisioning, then connection precision is ensured, but cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs precision connection operations autonomously using robotic mechanisms with integrated sensors that can precisely position and engage optical patch cords, eliminating the need for highly trained technicians while maintaining connection precision and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual precision operations by technicians are replaced with automated robotic systems that use sensors and controlled mechanisms to achieve precise fiber optic connections, substituting human skill requirements with automated precision control
4Productivity
If automated robotic mechanisms are deployed, then productivity and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is divided into modular functional components including robotic mechanisms for physical operations, sensors for state detection, processing units for data management, and databases for information storage. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions independently, improving productivity while managing overall system complexity through modularity
Data Source
AI summary
An approach is provided for an automated patch panel. A command is received to change a connection state of an optic patch cord. A robotic arm is controlled to change the connection state of the optic patch cord with respect to a particular port of a plurality of ports disposed about a disk-shaped face of a docking panel.