Fiber Optic Housing With Removable Panel Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic equipment installations are hindered by the lack of readily available housings that can accommodate both fiber optic modules and panels, leading to delayed installations and increased costs due to inventory requirements, as existing housings are not configured to support the specific types of equipment needed.
Innovation Solution
The development of a fiber optic housing with removable panel clips and stackable shelves that can interchangeably support both fiber optic modules and panels, allowing for flexible configuration and adaptation to different equipment types without requiring additional housing types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate housings are used for fiber optic modules and panels, then each housing can be optimized for its specific equipment type, but inventory requirements increase and installation flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with a universal support structure that can accommodate both fiber optic modules and panels through interchangeable clips. The housing includes a base structure with mounting surfaces that can receive different types of equipment, and removable clips that can be configured to secure either modules or panels, allowing one housing to perform multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is divided into separable components including the main housing body and removable clips. The clips can be detached and reconfigured independently, allowing the same housing to be adapted for different equipment types without replacing the entire housing unit.
2Reliability
If multiple housing types are maintained in inventory to support different equipment, then equipment-specific optimization is achieved, but cost and inventory complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single housing design with configurable clips replaces the need for multiple specialized housing types. The housing can be adapted to support various fiber optic equipment including modules and panels by simply reconfiguring the clips, eliminating the need to maintain separate inventory for different housing types.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration of the housing is changed by swapping clips rather than replacing the entire housing. This parameter change approach allows the same housing to be adapted for different equipment types, reducing inventory requirements while maintaining equipment-specific optimization.
3Reliability
If dedicated housings are used for each equipment type, then proper equipment support is ensured, but installation time increases due to housing availability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The universal housing with interchangeable clips allows installers to use the same housing for different equipment types, eliminating delays caused by searching for or ordering specific housing types. The clips can be quickly reconfigured or replaced to accommodate the specific equipment being installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing configuration is made dynamic through removable and reconfigurable clips, allowing the housing to adapt to different equipment types during installation rather than requiring a static, equipment-specific housing design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single housing design is used for both modules and panels, then inventory and cost are reduced, but the housing must be sufficiently versatile to support different equipment types
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a simple base structure and separate clips. This segmentation allows the base to remain simple while the clips provide the necessary complexity for accommodating different equipment types. The clips can be easily attached and detached without complicating the overall housing design.
Solution Approach 2:
The clips act as intermediary components between the housing and the equipment. They provide the necessary adaptability and complexity for supporting different equipment types while keeping the housing itself relatively simple. The clips mediate between the universal housing structure and the specific equipment requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber optic housings configured to accommodate fiber optic modules/cassettes and fiber optic panels are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic apparatus is provided and comprised of a fiber optic housing and one or more removable panel clips. Each of the one or more removable panel clips includes at least one receptacle configured to receive an insert of a fiber optic panel to support the fiber optic panel in the fiber optic housing. In another embodiment, a fiber optic shelf configured to be supported in a fiber optic housing is provided. The fiber optic shelf comprises a mounting surface and one or more removable panel clips attached to the mounting surface that each includes at least one receptacle configured to receive an insert of a fiber optic panel to support the fiber optic panel in the mounting surface. Related components and methods are also disclosed.