Open Architecture Fiber Optic Tray With Indexed Mounting Slots
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cable management in CATV enclosures is challenging due to the variety of components and cable configurations, making it difficult to accommodate different modules and ensuring proper bend radius, which can lead to system performance issues and limited capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A fiber tray with an indexed pattern of mounting slots and retaining clips that allow for securement of components in various orientations, along with tie-down guides and cable management features to prevent inadvertent displacement, enabling flexible component arrangement and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed cable management system is used, then cable routing is simplified, but adaptability to different component arrangements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system is divided into multiple independent cable guides that can be individually positioned and oriented. Each cable guide is a separate component that can be independently adjusted to accommodate different cable routing requirements based on component placement, allowing the system to adapt to various configurations without requiring complete redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guides are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The guides can be repositioned along the tray and rotated to different orientations to match changing component arrangements. This dynamic capability allows the same cable management system to adapt to different module placements and cable patterns that different operators may employ.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are frequently rearranged for upgrades, then system capabilities are improved, but cable displacement and misplacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guides are pre-positioned and secured to the tray in specific locations before components are installed. This preliminary arrangement of cable management infrastructure ensures that cable pathways are already established and protected, preventing inadvertent shifting or misplacing of cables when components are later rearranged for upgrades or maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guides act as intermediary elements between the fixed tray structure and the movable components. These guides provide a stable reference framework that mediates the relationship between changing component positions and cable routing, ensuring cables maintain proper bend radius and positioning even as components are rearranged.
3Area of stationary object
If smaller components are used to save space, then component density increases, but cable management requirements change
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system is designed with universal cable guides that can accommodate various component sizes and types. The guides are positioned and oriented to work with both larger traditional components and smaller compact modules, allowing the same system to adapt to different space utilization strategies without requiring component-specific cable management solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guides can be adjusted in position and orientation parameters to match different component footprints. When smaller components are installed to save space, the cable guides can be repositioned to accommodate the changed cable entry points and routing requirements, maintaining proper cable management despite the parameter changes in component size and arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment a fiber tray include an arrangement of retaining slots configured to receive retaining clips in a variety of different orientations and sizes. Retaining clips may have standardized sizes to correspond with the arrangement of retaining slots and to secure a variety of components to the fiber tray in different locations and orientations. Fiber management means may be provided to guide fiber optic cable from the components in a variety of orientations and locations. The fiber tray may be configured to move between a stowed position within a node housing in which the mounting surface of the tray faces downward and an access position in which the tray faces upward. The tray may be transparent to allow a technician to view the fiber arrangement without moving the tray from the stowed position.