Modular Fiber Management Frame With Offset Tray Holder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fiber optic closure systems face challenges in managing different groups of optical fibers independently, as they are often tightly packed, making it difficult to access and manipulate pass-through fibers without disturbing cut fibers or vice versa.

Innovation Solution

A modular fiber management frame with a removable tray holder that defines a second slack storage area offset from the fiber management interface, allowing for the independent mounting and removal of fiber optic trays without interfering with the first group of optical fibers, facilitating the management of different fiber groups within the closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If fiber optic cables are tightly packed in conventional closure systems, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility and ease of operation for manipulating different fiber groups deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidaccessibility to fiber groups
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system is segmented into multiple independent trays (first tray for pass-through fibers, second tray for cut fibers) that can be accessed separately. This segmentation allows operators to manipulate one fiber group without disturbing others, resolving the contradiction between tight packing and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a vertical stacking dimension with multiple trays arranged at different levels within the closure. This dimensional organization allows efficient space utilization while providing independent access to each tray through the rear access opening, eliminating interference between different fiber groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If all fiber optic cables are managed in a single integrated frame, then structural simplicity is improved, but flexibility and adaptability for different fiber management configurations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidflexibility for fiber management configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The closure system employs removable trays that can be independently installed, removed, or reconfigured within the frame. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different fiber management needs while maintaining a simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and configurational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The frame structure is designed with universal mounting features that accommodate different tray types and configurations. The same basic frame can support various fiber management arrangements by simply changing the tray components, providing versatility without increasing structural complexity.

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

3Reliability

If fiber groups are stored in offset positions, then independence and non-interference between fiber groups is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependence of fiber groupsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The offset storage configuration is achieved through segmented trays that are independently positioned at different locations within the closure. Each tray can be manufactured separately using standard components and then assembled into the frame, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of offset positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2883099B1Fiber management frames having modular tray holder
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC
  • EP2883099B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2883099B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2883099B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A fiber management frame for a fiber optic closure having a removable tray holder configured to mount a fiber optic tray offset from a fiber management interface. The tray holder has optical fibers mounted thereon and can be mounted and/or removed from the fiber management interface without interfering with optical fibers mounted on the fiber management interface. The fiber management interface defines a first slack storage area for a first group of optical fibers. The removable tray holder defines a second slack storage area for a second group of optical fibers offset from the fiber management interface. The fiber optic tray can be mounted to or removed from the fiber management interface without interfering with the first group of optical fibers.