Cross connect system and tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical cross connect systems cannot fully extend trays out of the rack due to cable length and bend radius constraints, limiting access to the rear of fiber optic cassettes or splice boxes for maintenance and operational purposes.
Innovation Solution
A cross connect system with a sliding tray mechanism that includes a case with opposed side walls, a tray with a cable guide channel, and an elongate link member for sliding engagement between the tray and the case, allowing the tray to move between fully recessed, partially extended, and fully extended positions, with locking mechanisms to secure the tray in various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tray is fully extended out of the rack, then access to the rear of cassettes or splice boxes is improved, but cable bend radius constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
A cable guide channel is introduced as an intermediary component between the tray and the external environment. This channel provides a dedicated pathway for fiber optic cables to exit the tray while maintaining proper bend radius, allowing the tray to be fully extended without compromising cable integrity. The cable guide channel acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between tray extension and cable protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tray is partially extended, then cable bend radius constraints are maintained, but access to the rear of cassettes or splice boxes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static tray position to a dynamic multi-position system. The tray can be positioned at multiple locations (fully retracted, partially extended, fully extended) with locking mechanisms securing each position. This dynamic positioning allows operators to select the appropriate tray extension level based on whether they need maximum access or cable protection, resolving the trade-off between accessibility and cable safety.
3Ease of operation
If a sliding mechanism is added to enable full tray extension, then access to the rear of cassettes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding mechanism is extracted as a separate, modular component (elongate link member) that can be independently implemented and maintained. Rather than integrating the sliding function into the tray structure itself, it is taken out as a distinct mechanism with its own locking systems and guide channels. This modular extraction reduces overall system complexity by allowing each component to be optimized independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic cross connect system comprising a case defining a tray receiving space and at least one tray slidable in and out of the space between a first closed position, a second intermediate position and a third open or accessible position and a sliding engagement between a sidewall of the case and a side edge of the tray is disclosed. The sliding engagement comprises an elongate link member which is stationary as the tray is moved between the first closed position and the second intermediate positon and moves with the tray as the tray is moved between the second intermediate and the third open position and such that the elongate link member does not interfere with fiber optic cables which are interconnecting external devices with devices on the tray. In a particular embodiment the link member is held stationary by a releasable locking mechanism.