Fiber optic network rack system with vertically movable rack assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing density of optical fibers and connectors within network equipment racks in fiber optic networks requires more time and resources for installation and maintenance, leading to higher costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A rack system for fiber optic networks that includes vertically movable rack assemblies and a spacing apparatus, such as a scissor lift or motorized drive, to create working space between rack assemblies, allowing for easier access and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If rack assemblies are arranged in a stack with high density to increase equipment capacity, then the quantity of equipment and cables that can be housed increases, but the working space for installation and maintenance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack assemblies are designed with vertical movability, allowing them to be dynamically adjusted between closely stacked positions for maximum capacity and separated positions for adequate working space. The spacing apparatus enables this dynamic reconfiguration, transforming a static dense stack into a dynamically adjustable system that can adapt between storage efficiency and operational accessibility.
2Quantity of substance
If rack assemblies are arranged in a stack with high density to increase equipment capacity, then the quantity of equipment and cables that can be housed increases, but the time required for installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vertically movable rack assemblies allow technicians to quickly create working space when needed for installation or maintenance tasks, and then restore the compact stacked configuration when complete. This dynamic adjustment capability reduces the time technicians spend working in confined spaces and enables faster reconfiguration compared to fixed-density arrangements.
3Quantity of substance
If rack assemblies are arranged in a stack with high density to increase equipment capacity, then the quantity of equipment and cables that can be housed increases, but the complexity of the cable management system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ability to vertically separate rack assemblies creates temporary working space that simplifies cable management operations. Technicians can access cables and connectors more easily when racks are separated, reducing the complexity of routing and organizing fiber optic cables compared to permanently dense stacked configurations where cable access is severely constrained.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack system of a fiber optic network is disclosed. The rack system includes an equipment rack having a first vertical frame member opposing a second vertical frame member. The rack system includes a plurality of rack assemblies are arranged in a stack in the equipment rack between the first vertical frame member and the second vertical frame member with at least a first rack assembly being vertically movable relative to an adjacent second rack assembly. Each of the plurality of rack assemblies is configured to facilitate one or more optical connections of the fiber optic network. The rack system further includes at least one spacing apparatus that is selectively operable to vertically move the first rack assembly relative to the second rack assembly to create a working space therebetween.