Modular Fiber Optic Equipment Unit for Compact Network Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic network equipment units have a large footprint, limiting space for expansion and capacity increase, particularly in central offices and splice cabinets, due to their horizontal orientation and bulky design.
Innovation Solution
A modular equipment unit with vertically oriented support structures and modular design, allowing for a reduced footprint and increased density of fiber optic connections by using vertically arranged network components and enabling easy expansion through additional modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional horizontal equipment units are used, then network components can be easily accessed, but the footprint area is large, limiting space for expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal arrangement of network components to vertical arrangement, changing the spatial dimension from 2D horizontal plane to 3D vertical space. This allows the equipment unit to maintain component accessibility while significantly reducing the footprint area occupied on the floor, enabling better space utilization in central offices and splice cabinets.
Solution Approach 2:
The support walls are designed to be movable between retracted and extended positions. When extended, they provide accessible platforms for network components; when retracted, they minimize the equipment unit's footprint. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction between accessibility and space efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If more network components are added to increase capacity, then connection density increases, but the equipment unit footprint increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging network components vertically on support walls rather than horizontally on the floor plane, the patent enables increased component density within the same footprint. Multiple components can be stacked vertically, allowing capacity expansion without proportional increase in equipment unit area.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support walls can be nested within the equipment unit housing when retracted, and extended outward when needed. This nesting approach allows the equipment unit to accommodate more components without permanently increasing its footprint, as components are arranged in a compact, space-efficient manner.
3Area of stationary object
If equipment units are made compact to reduce footprint, then space efficiency improves, but adaptability for different configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support walls provide dynamic reconfigurability, allowing the equipment unit to adapt between compact and expanded states. This mechanical flexibility maintains adaptability while achieving compact footprint, as the support walls can be positioned as needed for different network configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment unit is divided into modular components including multiple support walls that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of network components while maintaining a compact overall footprint, as each module can be optimized for its specific function without requiring the entire unit to be large.
Data Source
AI summary
An equipment unit for a fiber optic network includes at least one equipment module. Each equipment module includes a main frame and a carrier attached to the main frame and having a support wall moveable between a retracted position and an extended position and configured to receive network components. The carrier is attached to the main frame such that the support wall has a substantially vertical orientation relative to the equipment module. In addition, in the retracted position, the at least one support wall is positioned inside the main frame, and in the extended position, the support wall is positioned outside the main frame. A method of assembling the equipment unit and a method of expanding an existing equipment unit is also disclosed.