Fiber Optic Adapter Panel Mounting on Sliding Support Shelf
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support shelving systems for fiber optic hardware lack flexibility in mounting adapter panels, limiting their installation to specific locations and not providing adequate protection or accessibility for maintenance and security.
Innovation Solution
A support shelf with component mounting features that allow adapter panels to be mounted in various configurations, including flush and recessed positions, using elongate slots and protrusions for secure and flexible placement, enabling easy access and protection while allowing for multiple installation locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adapter panels are mounted flush with the front of the sliding support shelf, then ease of access and visual inspection is improved, but protection from environment and personnel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter panel mounting system allows dynamic repositioning between flush and recessed positions. The elongate slots in the mounting features enable the adapter panel to be installed at multiple positions along the slot length, allowing the system to adapt between maximum accessibility (flush position) and maximum protection (recessed position) based on operational needs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If adapter panels are mounted recessed on the sliding support shelf, then protection and security is improved, but ease of access for maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system provides dynamic positioning capability through elongate slots, allowing the adapter panel to be repositioned from a recessed protected position to a flush accessible position for maintenance activities. This eliminates the need for permanent fixed mounting and allows operational flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If adapter panels are mounted at fixed locations, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but flexibility in installation locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting features with elongate slots serve multiple functions: they provide structural attachment, enable position adjustment along the slot length, and accommodate different installation configurations (flush or recessed). This universal mounting approach allows the same hardware to achieve both manufacturing simplicity and installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate slots transform fixed mounting locations into adjustable mounting positions. The adapter panel can be installed at any position along the elongate slot, providing continuous adjustment capability while maintaining a simple standardized mounting feature design.
4Ease of operation
If adapter panels are mounted flush with the front, then accessibility for connection changes is improved, but signal attenuation from fiber bending is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system allows dynamic positioning to optimize the balance between accessibility and signal integrity. The adapter panel can be installed at a recessed position where fiber routing has fewer bends, reducing signal attenuation, while still maintaining adequate accessibility through the sliding shelf mechanism.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A support shelf for fiber optic hardware is disclosed. Generally, the support shelf includes a plurality of component mounting features that permits releasably mounting of fiber optic hardware at a plurality of locations on the support shelf. The component mounting features are generally openings in a base of the support shelf and may be slots in the base as well. With this improved configuration, fiber optic hardware such as adapter panels can be mounted at a variety of locations on the support shelf ranging from flush with a front edge of the support shelf to a recessed mounting, which is a distance from the front edge.