Tool-less Fiber Optic Housing Attachment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic equipment installations face challenges in expanding capacity within limited space in data distribution centers, as existing solutions require external fasteners and tools, complicating the attachment and removal of fiber optic housings from equipment racks.
Innovation Solution
A tool-less attachment system using snap features integrated into the fiber optic housing and mounting brackets, allowing for quick and easy attachment and removal without external fasteners, which includes optical components like splitter trays and strain relief devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external fasteners and tools are used to attach fiber optic housings to equipment racks, then the attachment is secure and reliable, but the installation and maintenance processes become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic housing incorporates integrated snap features that automatically engage with corresponding features on the equipment rack without requiring external fasteners or tools. The housing attaches itself through these built-in mechanical interlocks, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap features are integrated directly into the fiber optic housing structure, merging the attachment mechanism with the housing itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate external fasteners and simplifies the overall attachment system while maintaining reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If fiber optic equipment capacity is expanded in data distribution centers, then more fiber optic equipment can be supported, but the limited space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic housing utilizes vertical space by designing a compact form factor that can be stacked or mounted in vertical arrangements within equipment racks. This dimensional approach allows multiple housings to occupy minimal horizontal footprint while maximizing equipment capacity through vertical expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment housing can be nested within or attached to existing fiber optic housings, creating a modular expansion system. This nesting approach allows capacity expansion without requiring completely separate mounting spaces, as new housings can be integrated into the existing structure.
3Strength
If traditional fastening methods are used for fiber optic housings, then the connection is secure, but the attachment and removal processes require tools and external fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for external fasteners and tools by incorporating the attachment functionality directly into the housing structure through integrated snap features. This removal of external components simplifies the fastening system while maintaining connection strength through the built-in mechanical interlocks.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E
AI summary
Apparatuses, related components, and methods for expanding capacity of fiber optic housings are disclosed. A fiber optic apparatus comprising an attachment housing (494) comprising a side (497), a top (493), and a bottom (495) defining an attachment interior chamber (499 ) configured to support at least a portion of fiber optic equipment is provided. The attachment housing is tool-lessly, and by other than external fasteners, configured to removably attach to a fiber optic housing (492 ) comprising a housing interior chamber configured to support fiber optic equipment to couple the attachment interior chamber and the housing interior chamber, which may be done by means of snap attachments integral to at least one of the attachment housing and the fiber optic housing. One or more optical components, which may include, without limitation, one or more splitter trays, fiber optic jumper slack storage, and one or more strain relief devices, may be mounted within the attachment housing.