Hinged Modular Splice Tray Systems for Fiber Optic Closures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic closure systems lack the ability to efficiently hold and organize large quantities of splice trays, inhibit articulation within or out of handholes, and facilitate ergonomic maintenance and operation, particularly in underground settings.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic closure system comprising a spine with a platform and tray assemblies that can be adjusted in angle and position, allowing for the attachment of multiple tray assemblies along vertical and transverse axes, enabling articulation and ergonomic placement, and featuring a mount structure for universal attachment and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple small splice trays are used to hold large quantities of splices, then the splice capacity is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of organization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into multiple modular compartments and trays that can be independently configured. Each tray is a separate unit that can be stacked or arranged in different configurations within the closure body, allowing large quantities of splices to be organized in an structured manner without increasing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes vertical stacking of trays within the closure body, transitioning from horizontal arrangement to vertical arrangement. This dimensional change allows multiple trays to be compactly organized in the vertical space, increasing splice capacity while maintaining orderly organization through standardized stacking interfaces
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fiber optic closure is secured firmly within the handhole, then the stability is improved, but the articulation and repositioning capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable mounting features that allow the closure to be securely attached at multiple positions and orientations. The dynamic mounting mechanism enables the closure to be firmly secured when installed while maintaining the capability for repositioning and articulation during maintenance or reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed with universal attachment features that can accommodate different mounting locations and configurations within the handhole. The same mounting mechanism provides both secure stabilization and flexible positioning capabilities, serving multiple functions of both firm attachment and articulation
3Ease of operation
If the fiber optic closure is placed at an accessible height for maintenance, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability and security within the handhole deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system allows the closure to be positioned at ergonomic heights for maintenance operations while maintaining secure attachment through adjustable mounting mechanisms. The dynamic mounting features enable positioning at optimal heights without compromising the security of attachment within the handhole
4Device complexity
If a single large splice tray is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the splice capacity and organization capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large tray, the system employs multiple smaller modular trays that can be stacked or arranged. Each tray maintains simple individual structure while the modular arrangement provides expanded splice capacity and improved organization through standardized interfaces between trays
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic closure including a spine, a platform, and a tray assembly is provided. The spine is extending along a vertical axis and forms a first wall extending along a transverse axis. The spine forms a second wall extending along a lateral axis. The platform is releasably attachable to the spine at the second wall. The platform is configured to extend in a first position alongside the second wall along the vertical axis. The platform is configured to extend in a second position at an angle from second wall between the vertical axis and the transverse axis. The tray assembly is releasably attachable to the first wall of the spine.