Fiber Tray Pivot Interlock With Detent Position Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber optic tray systems lack a robust and reliable mechanism for securely holding fiber management trays at desired pivot positions, complicating access and management within telecommunications enclosures.

Innovation Solution

A pivot interlock system with integrated detent and guide pivot arrangements allows the fiber management trays to pivot smoothly between positions, utilizing detent pivot pins and receptacles for retention, and cylindrical pivot pins and guide receptacles for guided movement, providing a stable pivot axis and retention force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pivot mechanism is used to allow tray movement between positions, then accessibility is improved, but reliability of maintaining position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot mechanism is divided into two functional segments: a guide pivot arrangement for enabling smooth movement between positions, and a detent pivot arrangement for maintaining stable positions. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between movement capability and position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detent receptacle acts as an intermediary element between the detent pivot pin and the tray body. It provides the elastic deformation necessary to engage and disengage the detent pin from the receptacle, enabling reliable position maintenance while allowing controlled movement when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a detent arrangement is added to hold tray at desired position, then position stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detent pivot arrangement and guide pivot arrangement are merged into a single integrated pivot interlock mechanism. Both arrangements share common components such as the pivot pin and receptacle structures, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot interlock mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the tray movement, provides detent positioning, and maintains structural connection between the tray and mount. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pivot positions are implemented, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition optionsVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detent pivot pin engages with the detent receptacle in a periodic manner as the tray pivots, creating distinct engagement points at each desired position. This periodic engagement provides clear tactile feedback and automatic positioning, making the operation simple despite having multiple position options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The pivot interlock system ensures secure and stable positioning of fiber management trays, enhancing accessibility and management efficiency within telecommunications enclosures.

Implementation Method 1

cause the detent receptacle to elastically deform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3785056B1Pivot interlock for a fiber management tray
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3785056B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3785056B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3785056B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pivot interlock for a fiber management tray is disclosed. The pivot interlock is configured for pivotally coupling the fiber management tray to a tray mount. The pivot interlock includes a pivot guide portion and a pivot detent portion.