Fiber Optic Housing Removable Top for Tool-less Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber optic housing designs lack easy access and tool-less assembly capabilities, making it difficult to install, maintain, and manage fiber optic equipment efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A fiber optic housing with a removable top and tool-less assembly features, including snap attachments and removable mounting brackets, allowing for quick attachment and detachment from equipment racks without external fastening means, and providing easy access to internal components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional fiber optic housing designs are used with fixed tops and external fastening means, then structural stability is maintained, but accessibility to internal components and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility to internal componentsVSAvoidAssembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into modular sections including a removable top portion and a base portion, allowing independent access to internal components without disassembling the entire housing structure. This segmentation enables technicians to quickly remove the top for maintenance while leaving the base and mounted equipment intact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The top portion is extracted as a separate removable component from the housing assembly, eliminating the need for external fasteners and complex assembly procedures. This extraction allows the top to be easily removed and reattached while maintaining structural integrity through integrated snap-fit connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Loss of time

If tool-less assembly features are implemented, then installation time is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation timeVSAvoidSnap attachment alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Snap attachment features and alignment guides are pre-formed during the molding process, ensuring precise geometric relationships between mating components. This preliminary action during manufacturing eliminates the need for field adjustment and tools, allowing rapid assembly while maintaining high precision through controlled manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical fastening systems requiring tools are replaced with molded-in snap-fit and friction-fit connections. This substitution eliminates the need for external fasteners and tools, reducing installation time while achieving secure connections through carefully designed geometric interlocking features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If removable mounting brackets are used, then adaptability to different rack configurations is improved, but connection reliability may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRack configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidConnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Mounting brackets are designed with universal compatibility features allowing installation in multiple rack configurations and positions. The brackets can accommodate different rack types and mounting locations while maintaining secure connections through standardized interface designs that ensure reliable attachment across various applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2567279B1Fiber optic housings having a removable top
Publication Date: 2014.10.22 CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC
  • EP2567279B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2567279B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP2567279B1 patent drawingFigure 1E

AI summary

Fiber optic housings having a removable top, and related components and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic housing is provided having a removable top or cover. In one embodiment, the fiber optic housing comprises a top, a bottom, a right side, and a left side defining at least one interior chamber configured to support fiber optic equipment. The top comprises a base and a cover in one embodiment. The cover of the top is configured to provide a gap between the base and the cover such that at least one of the right side and the left side of the fiber optic housing is configured to be slidably engaged into and out of the gap. In this manner, the top can be easily removed to provide access to the interior of the fiber optic housing.