Fiber Distribution Chassis With Magnetic Cable Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to reduce the size of data communication equipment while maintaining high density and managing communication lines, particularly for optical fibers, in limited space at central data communication locations.

Innovation Solution

A removable cable module system with magnetic connections and guide members for secure attachment to a chassis, allowing easy installation and management of fiber optic cables, including breakout and cable modules with adaptors and spools, facilitating quick access and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If data communication equipment is made high density to increase circuit density, then more equipment can be installed in limited space, but the complexity of managing communication lines increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit densityVSAvoidline management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the communication equipment into modular units (chassis, shelf, cable modules, breakout modules) that can be independently managed. Each module handles specific fiber connections, breaking down the complex task of managing hundreds of fibers into manageable segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate management components including cable managers, guides, and routing structures that mediate between the high-density fiber connections and the external environment. These intermediaries organize and control the communication lines without requiring direct manipulation of each individual fiber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the size of data communication equipment is reduced to save space, then more equipment can be installed, but the ability to manage and access communication lines becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment sizeVSAvoidline access ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic, reconfigurable cable management components that can adapt to different connection scenarios. Cable managers and guides can be repositioned or reconfigured based on the specific routing needs, allowing efficient space utilization while maintaining ease of access when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes vertical space and three-dimensional routing paths within the compact chassis structure. By organizing cables in multiple dimensions rather than simple linear arrangements, the system achieves high density while preserving accessibility through strategically positioned access points and modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If bend radii of optical fibers are maintained to protect communication lines, then line integrity is preserved, but the flexibility in routing and space utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline integrityVSAvoidrouting flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates curved guides and rounded routing paths that maintain appropriate bend radii for optical fibers. Rather than sharp angles or rigid straight lines, the design uses continuous curves that protect the fibers from damage while still achieving the desired routing configuration within the compact space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system enables efficient use of space, reduces labor and inventory needs, and minimizes interference with access to components, while providing secure and organized cable management.

Implementation Method 1

The cable module may include a magnetic portion configured to magnetically couple to a rear wall of the chassis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12449623B2Fiber distribution systems
Publication Date: 2025.10.21 AMPHENOL NETWORK SOLUTIONS INC
  • US12449623B2 patent drawing
  • US12449623B2 patent drawing
  • US12449623B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A data communication apparatus includes a chassis. The chassis includes a front access side, a rear side, a rear wall disposed at the rear side, and a shelf extending at the rear side away from the front access side. A breakout module has a front end opposite a back end and is removeably disposable at least partially in the chassis. The breakout module includes a first adaptor disposed at the front end and a second adapter disposed in the back end. A cable module is removeably disposable on the surface of the shelf such that the cable module is not disposed in the chassis, the cable module including a spool configured to hold a fiber optic cable.