Modular Stackable Enclosure for Telecommunications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications and electrical wiring enclosures lack flexibility and expandability, making it difficult to accommodate varying circuitry needs and requiring multiple enclosures for different network types, which complicates maintenance and configuration.
Innovation Solution
A modular stackable enclosure system made of plastic that can be configured toollessly to various sizes and port options, allowing for flexible mounting and expansion, and providing weather-tight interconnections for indoor and outdoor applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed enclosures are used, then manufacturing and installation are simple, but adaptability to different network configurations and expansion needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into multiple stackable modules, each with standardized interfaces. This segmentation allows the system to be configured in different heights and configurations by stacking varying numbers of modules, providing adaptability to different network requirements while maintaining a relatively simple individual module design.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure modules are designed with universal standardized interfaces and mounting mechanisms that can accommodate different network equipment and configurations. The same basic module design can serve multiple functions through different stacking arrangements and internal configurations, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If enclosure size is expanded to accommodate additional circuitry and components, then capacity increases, but installation and configuration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing large fixed enclosures, the system segments capacity into multiple smaller stackable modules. Each module can be independently configured and installed, then stacked to achieve the required total capacity. This approach maintains ease of installation for individual modules while providing expandability through vertical stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure system is designed to be dynamically configurable through stacking and modular assembly. The standardized interfaces and toolless assembly mechanisms allow the system to be easily expanded or reconfigured by adding or removing modules, maintaining installation ease while accommodating growing capacity needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate enclosures are used for different network types, then specialized functionality is achieved, but maintenance time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular enclosure system provides universal support for different network types (fiber optic, copper, etc.) within a unified platform. Different network equipment can be installed in different modules of the same enclosure system, allowing technicians to maintain all network types from a single location rather than searching across multiple separate enclosures, thereby reducing maintenance time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges support for multiple network types into a single integrated enclosure structure. By combining different network equipment modules within one standardized enclosure system, the patent eliminates the need for technicians to search across multiple separate enclosures, reducing maintenance time and complexity while maintaining specialized functionality for each network type.
4Ease of operation
If toolless configuration is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular interfaces incorporate localized precision features such as guide rails, alignment pins, and snap-fit mechanisms at critical interface points. These localized precision elements ensure accurate alignment and secure connection during toolless assembly, while the rest of the module design can use more tolerant manufacturing tolerances, balancing ease of operation with achievable manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular stackable enclosure system is disclosed herein. The system includes a base structure including a cavity that includes a component mounting surface. The base structure also includes a plurality of modular ports configured to provide openings to the cavity. The base structure also includes a plurality of accessory mount interfaces, configured to receive a plurality of corresponding toolless-attachable accessory mounts. The system also includes a plurality of port plates, each configured to fit into a port of the plurality of modular ports. The system also includes a plurality of port plate attachments, each configured to fit into a corresponding port plate. The system also includes a cover, configurable to attach to the base structure, such that the cover is movable to cover or expose the cavity.