Fiber Optic Housing Removable Panel Clips for Universal Equipment Support
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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
A stackable shelf system with removable panel clips and stacker assemblies that can be configured to support fiber optic modules and panels interchangeably, allowing for flexible installation in various U height spaces within a fiber optic housing, enabling efficient use of space and easy reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fiber optic housings are designed specifically for particular equipment types, then the equipment is securely supported, but the housing cannot accommodate different equipment types and inventory costs increase
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 support clips can be configured in different positions and orientations to securely hold various equipment types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized housing designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing support system is divided into modular components including removable panels and interchangeable clips. These segmented elements can be independently configured and repositioned to adapt the housing for different equipment types, maintaining secure support while enabling versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple housing types are maintained in inventory to support different equipment, then all equipment types can be supported, but inventory costs and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal housing design replaces multiple specialized housing types in inventory. The housing includes interchangeable clips and removable panels that can be configured to support both fiber optic modules and panels, eliminating the need to stock different housing variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing system uses removable and interchangeable components that can be discarded, reconfigured, and reused. When equipment types change, the clips and panels can be removed and reinstalled in different configurations, allowing the same housing to be recovered and reused for different applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If housing configurations are changed to accommodate different equipment, then equipment needs are met, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is pre-configured with mounting positions, receptacles, and attachment features that anticipate different equipment types. The interchangeable clips and removable panels are designed to be pre-positioned, allowing rapid reconfiguration without complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing system incorporates dynamic, reconfigurable elements such as removable panels and interchangeable clips that can be quickly installed and removed. This dynamic design allows the housing to adapt to different equipment types through simple component swaps rather than complex structural modifications.
Data Source
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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 (38). Each of the one or more removable panel clips includes at least one receptacle (44) configured to receive an insert (46) of a fiber optic panel (16) to support the fiber optic panel in the fiber optic housing. In another embodiment, a fiber optic shelf (10) 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.