Modular Telecommunications Closure With Removable Panel Holders

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current telecommunications cabinets lack flexibility and high initial installation costs, as they often require full loading with maximum panels and do not easily accommodate changes or upgrades in network functionality.

Innovation Solution

A modular telecommunications closure with slideable or hingedly connected panels that can be easily added, removed, or replaced, allowing customization of Point of Connection (PoC) components and cable storage, enabling flexible configuration and maintenance without needing to be fully loaded with panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the cabinet is fully loaded with maximum panels upon installation, then the initial installation cost is reduced, but the flexibility to upgrade or customize the network functionality is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial installation costVSAvoidflexibility to upgrade network functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet is divided into multiple slot positions that can independently accommodate different panel types. Panels are segmented as removable modules that can be individually added, removed, or replaced without affecting other slots, enabling both cost-effective initial installation and flexible future upgrades.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel configuration is made dynamic through removable and replaceable panels. The system transitions from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system where panels can be easily installed, removed, and replaced to adapt to changing network requirements over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the cabinet is fully loaded with maximum panels upon installation, then the capacity is maximized, but the ease of maintenance and access to individual panels is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of panelsVSAvoidaccess to individual panels
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Each panel is designed as an independent removable module that can be individually accessed by simply removing it from its slot. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and service specific panels without needing to remove or manipulate other panels, maintaining ease of repair even when the cabinet is fully loaded.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Panels are designed to be easily extracted from their slots for maintenance purposes. The extraction mechanism allows individual panels to be removed and serviced independently while the remaining panels stay in place, enabling maintenance without disrupting the entire cabinet configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the cabinet uses fixed panels, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to easily add, remove, or change panels is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidability to customize PoC functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves structural stability through standardized slot designs and panel mounting mechanisms, while simultaneously enabling dynamic reconfiguration. Panels can be easily inserted and secured to maintain stable connections during operation, yet can be removed and replaced when network requirements change, combining stability with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The slot system is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate different panel types and configurations. The standardized interface allows the same slot structure to securely hold various panel designs, maintaining structural stability while enabling versatile customization of PoC functionality through different panel selections.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3465311B1Telecommunications closure with point of connection plate holders
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC
  • EP3465311B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3465311B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3465311B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A telecommunications closure includes an enclosure defining an interior space, a plurality of panel holders in the interior space; and a panel positioned in one of the plurality of panel holders. The panel includes a point of connection component that may include an electrical-optical conversion component, an optical-electrical conversion component, an optical-optical conversion component, or an electrical-electrical conversion component.