Modular Communications Chassis Staged Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for data center infrastructure due to cloud computing and 5G networks has led to challenges in accessing and managing communications equipment during installation, maintenance, and repair, with densely packed connections increasing the risk of human error and requiring special tools, especially in smaller racks or frames.
Innovation Solution
A modular high density communications chassis with a pull-out cable management system and slidable carrier modules, allowing for staged access and cable management, featuring a handle for longitudinal movement and snap fit mechanisms for secure assembly and disassembly, reducing clutter and improving accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If communications equipment is densely packed to increase capacity, then the quantity of equipment per rack increases, but access to connectors becomes difficult and cable management becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier modules are designed to be slidable along the rack, allowing dynamic repositioning of equipment. This enables operators to access connectors by sliding modules horizontally or vertically, solving the access difficulty caused by dense packing while maintaining high equipment capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is divided into multiple carrier modules that can be independently positioned and accessed. This segmentation allows operators to access specific connectors without disturbing other equipment, resolving the access difficulty while maintaining dense packing
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adapters and cable segments are connected to handle dense connections, then cable management capability increases, but the complexity of installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cable management is segmented into dedicated cable management modules that are separate from equipment carrier modules. This allows cable handling to be simplified and standardized, reducing installation and maintenance complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
Dedicated cable management modules act as intermediaries between equipment and external cables. These modules provide standardized interfaces and organized cable routing, simplifying the overall system while enhancing cable management capability
3Ease of operation
If special tools are used to access connectors in densely packed racks, then access capability improves, but the complexity and cost of maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable carrier module design enables self-service access to connectors through simple horizontal or vertical sliding motions. This eliminates the need for special tools and reduces maintenance complexity while improving access capability
4Area of stationary object
If the rack size is reduced to save space, then the footprint decreases, but access to equipment and cable management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Slidable carrier modules provide dynamic access within a compact footprint. Operators can slide modules horizontally or vertically to access connectors, maintaining ease of operation while reducing the overall rack footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes vertical sliding in addition to horizontal sliding, adding a dimensional aspect to access. This allows compact footprint while maintaining accessibility through multi-directional module movement
Data Source
AI summary
A modular high density communications chassis including a chassis, pull-out cable management system (POCMS), and at least two or more slidable carrier modules (carrier module(s)) is provided. The carrier modules are slidably mounted to the chassis and POCMS vertically, respectively. The POCMS is assembled to the chassis. In an operational position, ends of the carrier modules of the chassis extend outward from an access mounting opening of the chassis and ends of the carrier modules of the POCMS, alternately neighboring, lie flush with a plane of the access mounting opening. A handle of the POCMS is configured to move the POCMS from the operational position to a cable management position, whereby, the ends of the carrier modules of the POCMS extend past the ends of the carrier modules of the chassis, providing staged access to the carrier modules and staged management of connector cables extending to and therefrom.