Modular Communications Chassis Staged Access Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for data center infrastructure due to cloud computing and edge devices leads to challenges in accessing and managing communications equipment and cables during installation, maintenance, and repair, resulting in time-consuming processes, increased risk of human error, and potential damage to equipment.
Innovation Solution
A modular high density communications chassis with a slidable carrier module and snap-fit mechanism, allowing staged access and cable management through a second track with first and second stage access fixing recesses, and a squeeze-release latching rail mechanism for secure and easy installation, maintenance, and repair without requiring special tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If communications equipment is densely packed in data centers to accommodate growth, then space utilization is improved, but access to equipment and cable management becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier module is divided into functional segments with cables routed through specific pathways (first cable opening for incoming cables, second cable opening for outgoing cables). This segmentation allows dense packing while maintaining organized cable management and easy access to specific equipment components without disturbing adjacent modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The chassis serves as an intermediary structure that provides standardized tracks and mounting positions between the carrier module and the data center infrastructure. This intermediary framework enables dense arrangement of multiple carrier modules while maintaining uniform access points and cable routing paths, resolving the conflict between density and accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters and cable segments are connected to achieve high density connections, then cable management capability is improved, but the risk of human error and equipment damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cables are pre-connectorized and pre-routed through the chassis tracks before the carrier module is installed. This preliminary preparation ensures proper cable positioning and connection alignment, reducing the risk of errors during installation and maintenance operations while maintaining high density connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier module is designed with slidable mounting on tracks, allowing dynamic adjustment and easy removal of modules. This dynamic design enables maintenance personnel to access and replace individual carrier modules without disturbing adjacent connections, reducing the risk of human error and equipment damage during maintenance operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If special tools are used for installation and maintenance of densely packed equipment, then installation precision is improved, but the complexity and time required for maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier module incorporates self-aligning features and standardized mounting interfaces that allow for tool-free or minimal-tool installation and removal. The module can be easily slid onto and off the tracks, and cables are pre-connectorized to engage automatically, eliminating the need for special installation tools and reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining high precision connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular high density communications chassis, comprising a chassis and slidable carrier module is provided. The chassis comprises a second track having a first and second stage access fixing recess and a sectional sliding mechanism having a moveable squeeze-release latching rail mechanism. The slidable carrier module comprises a push-pull tab and a snap-fit mechanism, and is slidably mounted to the second track and squeeze-release latching rail mechanism. The slidable carrier module is slidably mounted to the chassis vertically. The snap-fit mechanism is configured to secure and release the slidable carrier module in and from a first stage position when corresponding to the first stage access fixing recess, and in and from a second stage position when corresponding to the second stage access fixing recess, via pulling and pushing of the at least a push-pull tab, respectively, providing staged access to the slidable carrier module and staged management of the connector cables extending to and therefrom.