Fiber Optic Cable Trays With Modular Routing 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, organizational issues, and time-consuming repairs.

Innovation Solution

The development of fiber optic tray systems with integrated fusion splice holder modules and cable management devices that allow for organized fiber routing and slack management without exceeding the minimum bend radius, using attachment features and customizable components to manage varying slack lengths and prevent fiber interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fiber optic cables are stored with excessive slack in traditional management systems, then technicians can access splicing equipment more easily, but the space required increases and organizational efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to splicing equipmentVSAvoidspace required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management system is divided into multiple cable management devices, each with its own base and sidewalls, that can be independently positioned and configured within the closure. This segmentation allows slack to be distributed across multiple organized sections rather than requiring a single large storage area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable management devices utilize vertical space within the closure by extending sidewalls upward from the base, creating three-dimensional storage volumes. This transforms the management from a two-dimensional surface layout to a three-dimensional space-efficient structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If closure size is reduced to meet field placement requirements, then installation becomes easier, but the ability to manage fiber slack deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure sizeVSAvoidfiber slack management

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cable management devices are nested within the closure space, with each device containing its own organized fiber loops. The modular design allows smaller management units to be arranged within the limited closure volume, maximizing space utilization while maintaining operational access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable management devices are designed to be selectively positionable and reconfigurable within the closure, allowing technicians to adapt the layout to different fiber slack requirements. The modular bases and sidewalls can be adjusted to create dynamic storage configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If fiber loops are tightly organized to reduce space, then space efficiency improves, but the risk of fiber damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace efficiencyVSAvoidfiber damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Each cable management device provides a localized controlled environment with specific geometric features (base, sidewalls, and openings) that are optimized for containing fiber loops of particular sizes. The local structure ensures that fibers maintain their required bend radius while achieving compact organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cable management devices act as intermediary structures between the fiber optic cables and the closure space. These devices provide a protective interface that organizes fibers while preventing direct contact and potential damage between cables, using the base and sidewalls as protective barriers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If traditional cable management methods are used, then installation is simpler, but repair time increases due to difficulty locating slack

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidrepair time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Fiber loops are pre-organized and contained within cable management devices during installation, with each device designated for specific cable pathways. This preliminary organization ensures that during repairs, technicians can quickly locate the required slack without having to search through disorganized cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cable management devices serve multiple functions: they organize fiber loops during installation, protect fibers from damage during operation, and facilitate quick access to slack during repairs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate management systems for different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12399337B2Fiber optic cable management trays; assemblies; and methods

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC

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.