Flexible Cable Guide Channels for Smooth Tray Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic cables within telecommunications chassis tend to become tangled as trays are extended, leading to poor sliding performance due to cables catching on each other and other components.
Innovation Solution
A freestanding cable guide with flexible arms defining cable channels that organize and manage furcation tubes, allowing them to move within the channels, reducing tangling and enhancing sliding performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fiber optic cables are stored in the chassis to allow tray extension, then tray extendability is enabled, but cable tangling occurs leading to poor sliding performance
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system is segmented into multiple cable channels, each dedicated to specific cables or tray positions. This segmentation prevents cables from different trays from mixing and tangling, while still allowing all trays to be extended. Each channel acts as an independent pathway that maintains cable organization throughout the extension process.
Solution Approach 2:
Cable guides act as intermediary components between the trays and the cable storage area. These guides channel and direct cables through defined pathways, preventing direct contact and interaction between cables from different trays. The intermediary structure ensures smooth cable movement during tray extension without tangling.
2Reliability
If cable channels are kept closed to prevent tangling, then cable organization is maintained, but access for loading and unloading becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable channel covers are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing the system to dynamically switch between closed and open states. When closed, the channels maintain cable organization and prevent tangling. When opened, they provide easy access for loading and unloading cables. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between maintaining organization and providing accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable guide includes a base for positioning the cable guide on a base surface of an internal area of a telecommunications chassis. The base is generally planar. The cable guide includes a plurality of arms and at least one arm of the plurality of arms is flexible. The cable guide includes a plurality of cable channels that are defined by the plurality of arms. The plurality of cable channels each receive a plurality of furcation tubes. Each of the plurality of cable channels is configured to allow furcation tubes to move within each of the plurality of cable channels. Each cable channel has an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, furcation tubes can be loaded and unloaded into and out of the cable channel. When in the closed position, furcation tubes are restricted from being removed from the cable channel.