Fiber Cassette with Slideable Shuttle for Universal Tray Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high density fiber cassettes have limited configurability and are often dedicated to specific applications, leading to increased manufacturing costs and reduced versatility, as well as challenges in reducing the size of data communication equipment for central locations while maintaining high density and protecting communication lines.
Innovation Solution
A data communication apparatus featuring a slideable tray and shuttle member within a cassette, allowing for flexible positioning and configuration, including a braking member to manage optical fibers and maintain bend radii, enabling the same cassette to be used in multiple applications and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high density fiber cassettes are dedicated to specific applications with unique front and back geometries, then the configurability is improved for that specific application, but the manufacturing cost increases and manufacturing lead time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cassette is designed with a universal geometry that can accommodate multiple applications through reconfigurable components. The front and back geometries are standardized rather than application-specific, allowing the same cassette to be used for different fiber optic applications by changing internal configurations or components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette incorporates reconfigurable elements that allow it to adapt its configuration dynamically for different applications. This may include movable components, adjustable geometries, or interchangeable parts that enable the cassette to serve multiple purposes without requiring dedicated designs for each application
2Adaptability or versatility
If high density fiber cassettes are dedicated to specific applications with unique front and back geometries, then the configurability is improved for that specific application, but the manufacturing lead time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal cassette geometry that can serve multiple applications, the manufacturing process is simplified and standardized. This reduces the variety of unique geometries that need to be manufactured, thereby decreasing manufacturing lead time while maintaining the ability to configure the cassette for different applications
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette is designed with pre-configured universal features and standardized geometries that can be quickly adapted to different applications. This preliminary design approach eliminates the need for custom manufacturing for each application, reducing lead time while preserving configurability
3Volume of moving object
If the size of data communication equipment is reduced for central locations with limited space, then the space efficiency is improved, but the ability to protect communication lines and maintain bend radii becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic lines are routed through nested or folded paths within the compact cassette structure. This allows the communication lines to maintain adequate bend radii and protection even within a reduced equipment size, as the lines are carefully managed through multiple levels or compartments within the compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette utilizes three-dimensional space management to accommodate communication lines with adequate bend radii within a compact footprint. By routing lines through multiple dimensions and levels within the cassette, the design maintains line protection and bend radius requirements while minimizing the overall equipment volume
Data Source
AI summary
A cassette including a length from a first end of the cassette to a second end of the cassette, and a width from a first side of the cassette to a second side of the cassette. The cassette may include a detent arranged in the first side of the cassette or arranged in the second side of the cassette. The cassette may be arrangeable in a tray such that the at least one detent is engageable with another detent arranged in a wall of the tray. The cassette may include a groove arranged in a bottom surface of the cassette. The cassette may be arrangeable in a tray such that a protrusion of the tray is engageable with the groove of the cassette.