Modular Fiber Patch Panel Layout for High Rack Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber management systems struggle to achieve high-density fiber connections within a limited rack unit (RU) space, limiting the efficiency and capacity of fiber cable routing and management in data centers.
Innovation Solution
A high-density fiber management system featuring a patch panel and modular cassettes that support up to 144 or 192 fiber connections per RU, utilizing a patch panel with mounting openings and modules with fiber optic connectors, enabling efficient fiber routing and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional fiber management systems are used, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but the fiber connection density per rack unit is limited and cannot meet high-capacity data center requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular components: patch panels, adapter arrays, and cable management structures. Each patch panel contains multiple adapter arrays (e.g., 12 adapter arrays with 12 adapters each), allowing independent installation and configuration. This segmentation enables high density (144-192 connections per RU) while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical stacking of adapter arrays within patch panels and multi-layer cable routing structures. Adapter arrays are arranged in vertical columns (e.g., 4 columns of 3 adapter arrays each), and cables are routed through multiple levels using cable managers and retention members. This three-dimensional arrangement dramatically increases connection density within the same rack unit footprint.
2Productivity
If high-density fiber connections are implemented, then the fiber management capacity is improved, but the space requirements per connection are reduced to extreme density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested structures where adapter arrays are mounted within patch panels, which are then installed in rack units. Cable management components including retention members and cable managers are nested within the patch panel structure. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space, achieving 144-192 connections per rack unit by efficiently packing components at multiple hierarchical levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible cable management components including retention members that can bend and adjust to accommodate different cable configurations, and cable managers that flexibly route cables through the patch panel structure. These flexible elements allow dense cable packing while maintaining proper cable routing and access, enabling extreme space efficiency without compromising cable management quality.
3Quantity of substance
If modular patch panels with multiple adapter arrays are used, then the fiber connection density increases to 144-192 per RU, but the installation and configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs patch panels with pre-configured mounting structures where adapter arrays are pre-positioned in standardized locations within the patch panel framework. Retention members and cable management components are pre-installed or pre-positioned to guide cable routing. This preliminary configuration significantly reduces on-site installation complexity despite the high number of connections, as components snap into predetermined positions rather than requiring custom fabrication during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A high-density fiber management system enables a high density of fiber cables to be managed and routed within a known dimensional area. The high-density fiber management system includes a patch panel and modules for installation into the patch panel.