High-Density Patch Panel Modular Cassettes for Single-Hand Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high density fiber optic patch panels often require cumbersome two-handed manipulation for cassette module removal, especially in tight spaces, and traditional fasteners like flat head screws and countersinks add weight and assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A patch panel design with slidable trays and cassettes, featuring detents and latches for single-hand manipulation, and adhesive tape or thermal staking for mounting, eliminating the need for traditional fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional flat head screws and countersinks are used to attach cassette rails, then secure mounting is achieved, but weight increases and assembly time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional fasteners (screws and countersinks) from the mounting process entirely, replacing them with a snap-fit mechanism where the cassette rail directly engages with the enclosure through integrated positioning features and elastic deformation, eliminating the need for separate fastening components
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette rail incorporates self-aligning features with the enclosure, using elastic deformation of the rail material to automatically secure itself in the mounting position without requiring external fasteners or complex assembly procedures, making the mounting process self-completing
2Ease of operation
If cassette modules are designed for rear side installation, then access to rear connections is improved, but removal becomes cumbersome requiring two-handed manipulation in tight quarters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the enclosure in the lateral direction to provide rear access ports that protrude outward, allowing operators to access and manipulate cassette modules from the rear without requiring deep access into the enclosure interior, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the access pathway
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a tray mechanism as an intermediary component between the operator and the cassette module, allowing the cassette to be mounted on a tray that can be slid to and from the rear access position, facilitating single-handed manipulation by providing a stable platform and leverage point
3Volume of moving object
If high density fiber optic patch panels are deployed in 1RU enclosures, then space utilization is maximized, but space constraints require traditional fasteners that add weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional fasteners from the 1RU enclosure design, replacing them with a fastenerless mounting system that uses integrated positioning features and elastic deformation to secure cassette rails, eliminating the weight of screws, washers, and countersink structures while maintaining secure mounting in the space-constrained 1RU format
Data Source
AI summary
A patch panel may include a tray that is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position on tray supports and features for holding the tray in the retracted position and in the extended position. The patch panel may also include a cassette that is slidable on cassette supports, latches for engaging the cassette to block movement of the cassette and features for disengaging the latches.