Inter-Rack Patch Field Mounting Bracket for Fiber Cable Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional media patching systems for telecommunications require long, variable-length patch cords and complex cable routing, which can be inefficient and difficult to manage in data centers.
Innovation Solution
The system employs patch field mounting brackets that can be coupled to adjacent racks or between a rack and a cabinet wall, allowing for direct mounting of optical fiber adapters or panels outside the traditional 'U' space, thereby reducing cable length and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fiber patch fields are hosted in enclosures within the rack (traditional U space), then cable routing is simplified, but patch cords become substantially long and variable in length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the fiber patch field from the traditional vertical U-space within the rack to the horizontal space between adjacent racks. This dimensional shift allows patch cords to connect directly between adjacent equipment without requiring vertical routing through cable managers, thereby reducing patch cord length and eliminating the need for variable-length cords while simplifying cable routing.
2Ease of operation
If vertical cable managers are installed in racks, then cable routing is assisted, but the space between racks is wasted and patch cord length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fiber patch field from the traditional rack enclosure location and relocates it to the inter-rack space. This extraction eliminates the need for vertical cable managers within the rack while utilizing the previously wasted space between racks for hosting fiber adapters and patch panels, thereby improving space utilization and reducing cable length.
3Length of moving object
If fiber patch fields are relocated to space between racks, then patch cord length is reduced, but mounting and support structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting system into modular brackets that can be independently installed between rack rails or between a rack and cabinet wall. Each bracket is a discrete, standardized component with pre-defined mounting holes and adapter slots, allowing for simple assembly without complex custom fabrication. This segmentation reduces the overall system complexity despite the novel inter-rack installation location.
4Device complexity
If traditional rack enclosures are used for fiber patch fields, then equipment support is simplified, but the amount of active equipment supported per rack is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the fiber patch field to the horizontal inter-rack space rather than the vertical rack enclosure, the patent effectively adds a new dimension for equipment deployment. This allows each rack to support additional fiber patch fields in the surrounding space, thereby increasing the total quantity of active equipment that can be supported without increasing the rack's vertical footprint or structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An example patch field mounting bracket is provided. The patch field mounting bracket includes a main body section defining a length between opposing top and bottom edges, and defining a width between opposing first and second side edges. The patch field mounting includes a first mounting flange extending from the first side edge of the main body section. The patch field mounting bracket includes a second mounting flange extending from the second side edge of the main body section. The patch field mounting bracket includes openings formed in the main body section and configured to receive at least one optical fiber or a fiber adapter.