Fiber Optic Cable Trays for Compact Slack Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic cable management systems face challenges in efficiently organizing and managing slack fiber optic cables, particularly in limited space, which can lead to increased space usage, damage, and time-consuming repairs.
Innovation Solution
The use of fiber optic tray systems with integrated fusion splice holder modules and customizable attachment features that allow for organized fiber routing and slack management without violating the minimum bend radius, using dovetail and ramp structures for secure attachment of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional fiber optic cable management methods are used, then fiber optic cables can be stored, but excessive space is occupied and organization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management tray is divided into multiple compartments and sections, including a first compartment for incoming cables, a second compartment for outgoing cables, and a middle compartment for splices. This segmentation organizes different cable segments in dedicated spaces, reducing overall space occupation while improving accessibility and management efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional space utilization within the tray structure, incorporating vertical stacking of components, under-tray routing paths, and multi-level cable routing. This dimensional approach maximizes cable storage capacity while minimizing the tray's footprint, effectively reducing the space occupied by fiber optic cable management.
2Ease of operation
If more slack storage space is provided in smaller closures, then fiber slack management improves, but the closure size increases and placement becomes hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management tray is designed to be nested within the closure structure, with components arranged to fit efficiently within the available space. The modular compartment design allows the tray to be inserted into the closure, maximizing slack management capability without increasing the external dimensions of the closure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray incorporates flexible cable routing paths and adjustable components that can adapt to different cable lengths and configurations. This dynamic design allows efficient use of available space, enabling adequate slack management in compact closures by optimizing the arrangement rather than requiring fixed additional space.
3Ease of repair
If fiber optic cables are routed to provide adequate slack for repairs, then repair capability improves, but time to locate and manage slack increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is pre-configured with designated slack storage compartments and routing paths during installation. Fiber optic cables are pre-routed through guides and channels that lead directly to splice locations and repair access points. This preliminary organization eliminates the need for technicians to search for slack during repairs, reducing repair time while maintaining adequate slack availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as cable guides, routing channels, and designated slack storage compartments that mediate between the cable entry points and splice locations. These intermediaries organize and direct cable slack to specific locations, making it easily accessible for repairs without requiring technicians to manually trace or manage long cable runs.
4Volume of moving object
If fiber optic cables are managed in compact arrangements, then space usage reduces, but risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different compartments and sections of the tray provide different local characteristics optimized for specific cable functions. Incoming cable compartments provide entry protection, middle compartments offer cushioning for splices, and outgoing compartments facilitate organized routing. This localized quality approach ensures adequate protection in each area while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray structure incorporates cushioning elements, protective channels, and organized routing paths that are built in before cable installation. These pre-installed protective features cushion and protect fibers from damage during installation and future handling, allowing compact cable management without increasing damage risk.
Data Source
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AI summary
A telecommunications assembly includes a tray, and telecommunications components. The telecommunications components include fiber routing modules selectively mountable in a plurality of positions to define different fiber pathways. Splice holder modules are used with the fiber routing modules. Attachment features between the tray and modules include a dovetail feature, and crush bumps, biased ends, and defined lengths to protect fibers being managed on the tray.