Double-Jointed Hinge for Telecommunications Panel Door Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic network management faces challenges in cable management, ease of installation, and accessibility due to the need for efficient access to fiber optic equipment within telecommunications chassis, particularly in extending or removing 'pull-out' blades or trays.
Innovation Solution
A double-jointed hinge mechanism for the door of a telecommunications chassis allows for multiple positions, enabling full opening and removal of 'pull-out' trays, which house fiber optic cassettes, facilitating access to connectors and reducing interference with equipment below the chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional single-jointed hinge mechanism is used, then the door can be opened, but the door cannot be fully opened to allow extension or removal of pull-out trays
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple independent hinge arms (first hinge arm, second hinge arm, third hinge arm) connected through pivot points, allowing each segment to move independently and achieve complex door positions that a single jointed hinge cannot provide
Solution Approach 2:
The double-jointed hinge mechanism adds an additional degree of freedom by introducing a second rotational axis, enabling the door to move from a simple arc motion to a two-dimensional movement space, thereby achieving full opening positions necessary for tray access
2Ease of operation
If the door is opened to access pull-out trays, then accessibility is improved, but interference with equipment below the chassis occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism transitions from a static single-position door to a dynamic multi-position door, allowing the door to be precisely positioned at different angles to clear equipment below while maintaining access to the trays, adapting to different operational requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If a double-jointed hinge mechanism is used, then full opening and removal of pull-out trays is enabled, but the hinge mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The double-jointed hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables full door opening, allows intermediate positioning for tray access, prevents interference with equipment below, and maintains door closure security, making a single mechanism structure accomplish what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A double jointed hinge mechanism for pivotally coupling a door to a telecommunications chassis includes an first hinge arm configured to be non-rotatably attached to the chassis, a second hinge arm non-rotatably attached to the door, and a third hinge arm pivotally attached to the first and second hinge arms. The hinge mechanism is configured such that the door can be placed in a first open position and a second open position through rotation about first and second rotational axes. In the first open position, the door is in a generally horizontal position and below the first rotational axis. In the second open position, the door is in a generally vertical position and forward of a vertical plane defined by the first rotational axis.