Fiber Optic Cable Management Structure for High-Density Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The management and organization of fiber optic cables in high-density connection environments, such as data centers, is challenging due to the fragile nature of the cables and the difficulty in storing and bundling them without disrupting signal transmission, especially when excessive stress is applied.

Innovation Solution

A fiber optic cable management system with a front and rear housing, ceiling cable management structure, and slack management structures that include positioning posts, bracket retainers, and slack management spools to organize and route cables efficiently, minimizing bending and congestion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If predetermined lengths of fiber optic cable are used to meet connection requirements, then connection reliability is improved, but cable management difficulty increases due to excessive slack and stress on the fragile cable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidcable management difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management system divides the cable path into multiple segments using ceiling-mounted troughs and positioning posts. Cables are routed through ceiling troughs from patch panels to destination points, with positioning posts at intervals to support and organize the cable segments. This segmentation allows better control of cable slack and stress distribution along the entire cable path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the ceiling space (third dimension) for cable routing instead of confining cables to horizontal surfaces. Ceiling-mounted troughs and positioning posts create a three-dimensional cable management structure that efficiently handles cable slack and routing in vertical space, reducing congestion and stress on cables.

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

2Productivity

If higher density connection is implemented to meet bandwidth demands, then transmission capacity is improved, but cable organization difficulty increases due to increased cable congestion and stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission capacityVSAvoidcable organization difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling cable management system segments cable routes into organized pathways using multiple troughs and positioning posts. Each trough and positioning post creates distinct cable channels that prevent congestion even as connection density increases. This segmented approach allows multiple cables to be systematically routed without tangling or excessive stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By utilizing ceiling space for cable routing, the system adds a vertical dimension to cable management. This three-dimensional approach provides abundant routing space that accommodates higher connection densities without increasing horizontal cable congestion, allowing more cables to be organized efficiently in the vertical ceiling volume.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If more slack cable is created to accommodate predetermined cable lengths, then connection flexibility is improved, but cable stress and signal disruption risk increase due to the fragile nature of fiber optic cable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling-mounted positioning posts are installed beforehand at strategic locations along cable routes. These posts act as cushioning support points that absorb and distribute cable slack before it can create excessive stress or sharp bends. The posts are positioned in advance to provide continuous support throughout the cable path, preventing signal disruption while maintaining connection flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system manages cable slack in the vertical ceiling dimension rather than allowing it to accumulate on horizontal surfaces. Ceiling troughs and positioning posts guide slack cable upward and along controlled paths, preventing excessive stress and sharp bends that would disrupt signals. This vertical routing approach maintains connection flexibility while protecting signal integrity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3945355B1Fiber optic cable distribution and management system
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 GOOGLE LLC
  • EP3945355B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3945355B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP3945355B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This disclosure provides a fiber optic cable management system (100) for cable distribution, organization and management. The fiber optic cable management system (100) may provide features for cable routing, protection, separation and slack storage for the fiber optic cables placed, disposed or passed through the fiber optic cable management system. In one example, the fiber optic cable management system (100) includes a front housing (162) having a ceiling (116), a bottom structure, and side panels connecting the ceiling and the bottom structure. A rear housing (160) is connected to the front housing (162). The rear housing (160) has a frame assembly (199) connected to the ceiling and the bottom structure. A plurality of patch panel supports (133) disposed in the front housing (162) configured to receive a patch panel assembly. A ceiling cable management structure (125) formed on the ceiling, wherein the ceiling cable management (125) structure defines at least two troughs (452, 453) on the ceiling.