Modular Telecommunications Enclosure with Hinged Tray Assemblies

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current telecommunications enclosures lack efficient and customizable solutions for managing fiber-optic cables and equipment, particularly in terms of scalability and ease of access for maintenance and expansion within limited spaces.

Innovation Solution

The development of a telecommunications enclosure system featuring modular tray assemblies with hinged trays and a cable management system that allows for flexible configuration, including interchangeable tower modules and pivotable termination assemblies, enabling easy access and efficient cable management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed enclosures are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but scalability and customization capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is divided into modular components including base units, tower modules, and tray assemblies that can be independently configured and reconfigured. Each module serves a specific function and can be combined with others to create customized solutions for different network requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed with standardized interfaces and mounting mechanisms that allow them to serve multiple functions. For example, tower modules can support different types of trays, and the same base unit can accommodate various configurations of cable management and termination equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular components are added for flexibility, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidcomponent variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure employs a nested modular architecture where smaller functional units are contained within larger structural frameworks. Tower modules nest within the base enclosure, trays nest within towers, and cable management components nest within trays, creating a hierarchical organization that simplifies installation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If fixed cable management structures are used, then structural stability is maintained, but ease of access and maintenance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of accessVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management system incorporates movable and adjustable components including hinged trays that can be opened for access, sliding mechanisms for cable routing, and reconfigurable mounting positions. These dynamic features allow technicians to easily access and maintain equipment without disassembling the entire enclosure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If more cable management features are added, then cable organization improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable management efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cable management functions are integrated into unified components. For example, cable guides, strain relief structures, and routing channels are combined into single molded parts rather than separate assemblies. This consolidation provides comprehensive cable organization while reducing the total number of discrete components and simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3619565B1Telecommunications enclosure with modular features
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 COMMSCOPE CONNECTIVITY BELGIUM BVBA
  • EP3619565B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3619565B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3619565B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An enclosure can be customized with select ones of modular telecommunications equipment. In various examples, modular tray towers for mounting splice trays, modular cable management units, and/or termination arrangements can be disposed within the enclosure.