Fiber Distribution Tray and Cable Mount for Slack Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical fiber distribution systems face challenges in density, ease of use, and cable management, with existing solutions failing to effectively manage cable slack and provide efficient access to connectors and adapters.
Innovation Solution
A modular optical fiber distribution system featuring a chassis with a moveable tray and synchronized movement mechanisms, such as gears and wheels, that allows for reduced cable slack and easy access to connectors, along with cable mounts that secure strength members and guide optical fibers, enhancing cable management and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a moveable tray is provided for accessing connectors and adapters, then ease of operation is improved, but cable management becomes more complex due to potential cable slack and movement issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a moveable tray that can be pulled out from the chassis to provide easy access to connectors and adapters. The tray is equipped with a synchronized movement mechanism that includes cable management features such as cable guides and tensioning elements, allowing the tray to move dynamically while maintaining proper cable tension and routing. This dynamic design enables operators to easily access rear-mounted components without creating excessive cable slack or damage risks.
2Reliability
If cable slack is reduced for better cable management, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted tray movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate cable management components between the moveable tray and the fixed chassis, including cable guides, routing channels, and tensioning mechanisms. These intermediary elements allow the tray to move freely for easy access while simultaneously maintaining controlled cable routing and proper tension, preventing excessive slack that could compromise fiber integrity. The cable guides act as mediators that decouple the tray's movement from direct cable stress.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable mount for fixing a strength member of a fiber optic cable to a fixture includes a front end, a rear end, and a longitudinal channel therebetween, the channel defined by upper and lower transverse walls and a vertical divider wall. The channel receives a portion of the cable. A strength member pocket receives the strength member of the cable, the pocket located on an opposite side of the divider wall from the longitudinal channel, the pocket communicating with the longitudinal channel through an opening on the divider wall. A strength member clamp fixes the strength member of the cable against axial pull. Cable management structures in the form of spools define at least one notch that communicates with the longitudinal channel for guiding optical fibers extending from a jacket either upwardly or downwardly therethrough. The cable mount also allows routing of the optical fibers through the longitudinal channel all the way from the rear end to the front end.