Fiber Optic Tray Alignment Rails for Interchangeable Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic tray systems are limited to accommodating only a single size and shape of modules, restricting flexibility and compatibility with differently-sized modules.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic tray system utilizing a mutually orthogonal coordinate system with alignment rails and retainer features that allow for interchangeable alignment and retention of modules of varying sizes, enabling modules with different dimensions to be mounted on the same tray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rail systems or retention components are used in fiber optic trays, then modules can be retained on the tray, but only a single size and shape of module can be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment rails are designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple module sizes and shapes. The rails include engagement features that can interact with correspondingly-shaped features on different module types, allowing a single tray design to support various module configurations without requiring size-specific rail variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system is segmented into separate alignment and retention functions. The alignment rails provide positional guidance and lateral retention, while additional retention clips or latches provide forward/backward retention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining compatibility with multiple module sizes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If differently-sized modules are accommodated on a tray, then flexibility and compatibility are improved, but alignment and retention mechanisms become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment rails serve multiple functions: providing lateral alignment, enabling module insertion/removal, and retaining modules in position. The universal rail design with standardized engagement features allows differently-sized modules to be installed and maintained using the same operational procedures, maintaining ease of operation despite increased adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment rails are designed to automatically guide modules into the correct position during insertion. The engagement features self-align with the module's corresponding features, reducing the precision required during installation and simplifying the maintenance process for differently-sized modules.
3Reliability
If a fixed rail system is used, then module retention is reliable, but module movement for installation and maintenance is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system incorporates movable retention clips or latches that can be easily actuated to release modules. The alignment rails maintain fixed positional guidance for reliability, while the retention mechanism provides dynamic, easily-controlled module securing and release, allowing modules to be reliably retained during operation but easily accessed for installation and maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic tray system includes a tray. The tray includes a tray body, the tray body extending along a longitudinal axis between a front and a rear and extending along a lateral axis between a first side and a second side. The tray further includes a plurality of alignment rails, each of the plurality of alignment rails protruding from the tray body along a transverse axis. The tray further includes a plurality of retainer features disposed at the rear of the tray body. The fiber optic tray system further includes a fiber optic module, the fiber optic module including an outer housing and at least one retainment feature. The at least one retainment feature is interfaced with at least one of the plurality of retainer features to retain the fiber optic module on the tray.