Modular Distribution Device with Continuous Cable Guide Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical waveguide distribution devices face challenges in maximizing packing density while minimizing mechanical stress on data conductors, and there is difficulty in efficiently guiding and transferring data cables within these devices.
Innovation Solution
A system with physically and functionally separate regions for connecting/storing data conductors and guiding data cables, where the guiding region forms a continuous cable guide channel across multiple devices, allowing for preferred handling and access control through individual cover-like housing parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If optical waveguide distribution devices are fitted with high packing density, then the number of devices per unit space increases, but mechanical stress on optical waveguides increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple basic modules that can be connected in a defined grid pattern. Each module contains specific assemblies for handling optical waveguides, allowing the system to be scaled by adding modules rather than crowding components into a single compact space. This segmentation enables high packing density while maintaining adequate spacing to reduce mechanical stress on the waveguides.
Solution Approach 2:
The modules can be connected in both horizontal and vertical directions to extend the housing dimensions. This three-dimensional modular arrangement allows the system to accommodate more distribution devices by utilizing vertical space, thereby achieving high packing density without increasing horizontal crowding and mechanical stress on the optical waveguides.
2Ease of operation
If data cables are guided through the housing, then cable management becomes complex, but access to functional regions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable guidance function into a dedicated functional region that is physically separated from the main housing structure. This separate region is specifically designed for guiding and handling data cables, allowing cable management operations to be performed independently without interfering with other housing functions or requiring complex integrated pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated cable guidance region acts as an intermediary space between the external environment and the internal functional regions of the housing. This intermediate zone simplifies cable management by providing a specialized area for cable routing, reducing the complexity that would otherwise be required to integrate cable pathways directly into the main housing structure.
3Ease of operation
If functional regions are physically separated, then cable guidance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into distinct functional regions, each dedicated to specific tasks such as cable guidance, connection, and storage. This segmentation improves cable guidance efficiency by providing specialized areas for each function while maintaining a modular structure that prevents excessive overall complexity through standardized module design.
Solution Approach 2:
While functional regions are physically separated, they are merged into a unified modular housing system where multiple basic modules can be connected in a defined grid pattern. This merging approach allows the system to achieve the benefits of physical separation for improved cable guidance while avoiding excessive complexity through standardized, repeatable module configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system of distribution devices is disclosed. The housing of each distribution device has at least two physically and functionally separate functional regions (15, 16). At least one first functional region (15) is for connecting and/or storing data conductors. At least one second functional region (16) exclusively for guiding data cables having the data conductors. When a plurality of such distribution devices are grouped next to one another and/or one above the other to form a system of a plurality of distribution devices, the functional regions which are used exclusively for guiding data cables having the data conductors form at least one cable guide channel, which extends continuously in the horizontal and/or vertical direction over a plurality of distribution devices.