Fiber Optic Shelf With Angled Rear Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communications rack systems face challenges in managing fiber optic cables due to stiff cable entry paths, which lead to space inefficiencies and cable loop difficulties, particularly when equipment rail placement is inadequate, and existing cable management structures do not accommodate varying user preferences for protection and access.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution includes a fiber optic shelf with a stepped rear wall and pivotally attached mounting units, and a fiber optic tray assembly with interlocking cable management structures such as troughs and J-hooks, allowing for flexible cable routing and management, including a method of fitting cable management structures onto trays with interlocking features to optimize space usage and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables enter the shelf in a direction normal to the side or rear, then cable routing is straightforward, but large cable loops are created which require undue amounts of space and are difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the cable entry direction from normal (perpendicular) to the rear wall to an oblique angle. The rear wall includes mounting panels positioned at angles between 45-60 degrees relative to the rear wall plane, allowing cables to enter at angled paths that reduce loop formation and space requirements while maintaining routing simplicity.
2Reliability
If a full width trough is used for cable management, then maximum protection of patch cords is achieved, but accessibility to cords and connectors is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable management solution into separate modular components: a trough for protection and J-hooks for accessibility. Users can select and install only the component needed for their specific application, rather than being forced to use a full-width trough that compromises accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent offers different cable management configurations (full width trough, minimal trough, J-hooks) that allow users to adjust the level of protection versus accessibility based on their specific needs, changing the operational parameters of the system.
3Ease of manufacture
If equipment rail placement is not adequate, then tray installation is compromised, but the tray may need to be removed altogether
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mounting panels pivotally attached to the rear wall assembly, allowing them to rotate between a stowed position (flush with rear wall) and a deployed position (angled outward). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to various equipment rail placements and provide cable management functionality even when space is constrained.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting panels can be stowed within the confines of the rear wall assembly when not in use, nesting the cable management functionality within the limited space available, and deployed when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic shelf includes: a floor; side walls attached to opposite side edges of the floor, wherein the shelf has a longitudinal axis defined between the side walls; and a rear wall attached to a rear edge of the floor. The rear wall has a stepped profile and comprises a plurality of mounting panels facing laterally at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the shelf.