Mid-Span Wall Box with Pivoting Tray Stack
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic network solutions face challenges in easily mounting wall boxes at mid-span access locations of fiber optic cables without requiring the main cable to be threaded lengthwise through the enclosure, which complicates installation and maintenance in multi-dwelling units and commercial buildings.
Innovation Solution
A wall box design featuring a pivotally connected enclosure with hinge assemblies and retention members, allowing for easy mounting at mid-span locations, and including fiber optic adapters with inner and outer ports, and a tray stack with pivotally mounted splice trays for efficient cable management and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the main cable is threaded lengthwise through the enclosure, then the wall box can be mounted at mid-span locations, but the installation process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system is divided into separate functional components: cable access openings at multiple locations, internal cable routing channels, and modular mounting structures. This segmentation allows the cable to be accessed and managed without threading it lengthwise through the entire enclosure, simplifying installation while maintaining mid-span mounting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The wall box is pre-configured with cable access openings, internal routing structures, and mounting attachments before installation. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site cable threading operations, reducing installation complexity while enabling versatile mid-span mounting
2Reliability
If the wall box enclosure is sealed for protection, then environmental resistance is improved, but access to internal components for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure incorporates dynamic access mechanisms including removable panels, sliding doors, or hinged covers that can be opened or removed to provide access to internal components. These dynamic elements maintain the sealed protection during normal operation while enabling easy maintenance access when needed
Solution Approach 2:
Critical components such as splices, connectors, or adapter assemblies are extracted from the fully sealed enclosure and placed in accessible locations within the wall box, or in removable sub-assemblies that can be easily accessed without compromising the overall environmental seal of the enclosure
3Productivity
If multiple fiber optic adapters are installed in the wall box, then network capacity is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wall box is designed with universal mounting structures and standardized adapter configurations that can accommodate different numbers and types of fiber optic adapters. The enclosure includes modular attachment points and cable management features that serve multiple functions: supporting various adapter arrangements, organizing cables for different configurations, and providing consistent access methods regardless of the specific network capacity requirement
Data Source
AI summary
A wall box includes an enclosure having a base and a cover connected to the base. The base and the cover enclose an interior region. The wall box further includes a plurality of fiber optic adapters mounted to the enclosure. The fiber optic adapters include an inner port positioned inside the interior region and an outer port positioned at an outer surface of the enclosure. A tray stack is mounted within the interior region. The tray stack includes a tray mount pivotally connected to the enclosure. The tray mount includes a top surface and an oppositely disposed bottom surface. A first splice tray mounting area is disposed on the top surface and a second splice tray mounting area is disposed on the bottom surface. A plurality of trays is disposed in the first splice tray mounting area. A tray is disposed in the second splice tray mounting area.