Integrated Slidable Splicing Tray for High-Density Fiber Patch Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic cable splicing is labor-intensive and time-consuming, and conventional splice boxes are problematic in high-density server rooms, leading to increased installation costs and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A patch panel assembly with an integrated slidable splicing tray that facilitates cable connection and management, featuring a splicing module with holding features and grooves for spliced cables, and connector trays that can be vertically stacked and slidably positioned for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate splice boxes are used for fiber optic cable connection, then cable splicing function is provided, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the splicing tray with the patch panel assembly into a single integrated unit. The splicing tray is positioned within the patch panel assembly structure, allowing fiber optic cable splicing functions to be performed within the same enclosure that houses the optical connectors and management features. This merging eliminates the need for separate splice boxes and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch panel assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides optical connector management, cable routing, and fiber optic cable splicing capabilities all within one device. The integrated splicing tray enables the patch panel to serve as both a connection point and a splicing location, reducing the number of separate components needed in the fiber optic infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional splice boxes are used, then cable splicing is enabled, but installation time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The splicing tray is pre-configured within the patch panel assembly with organized cable routing paths, holding features, and integration with the connector tray. This preliminary arrangement of splicing components and cable management structures allows technicians to perform splicing operations more efficiently without having to assemble separate splice boxes or organize cables from scratch, thereby reducing installation time.
3Quantity of substance
If large splice boxes are used for cable management, then cable storage capacity is provided, but storage space becomes problematic in high density server rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The splicing tray is nested within the patch panel assembly structure, utilizing the existing space inside the patch panel enclosure. The cable management features and splicing components are arranged to fit within the confines of the patch panel, effectively using vertical and horizontal space efficiently. This nested arrangement provides adequate cable storage capacity without requiring additional external space that would be problematic in high-density server rooms.
Data Source
AI summary
A patch panel assembly that has a splicing tray integrated therein for fiber optic hardware connection is provided. In one example, the patch panel assembly include a ceiling, a bottom cover, and two opposing side panels defining an interior region therein. A splicing tray disposed in the interior region of the patch panel assembly. The splicing tray is slidable between a non-extended position and an extended position.