Movable Parking Panel for Fiber Distribution Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber distribution hubs face issues with patch cord slack causing entanglement in congested subscriber termination fields and limitations in temporarily parking unused connectors due to standardized patch cord lengths, which restrict flexibility in patching, de-patching, and re-patching.
Innovation Solution
A parking device with a movable parking panel and linear guides that retracts to free up additional patch cord length, allowing for flexible de-patching, rerouting, and re-patching, and a drive system to overcome friction, enabling controlled movement and automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If patch cords are parked at hinged parking panels, then fiber connector density is improved, but patch cord slack causes entanglement in the subscriber termination field
Solution Approach 1:
The parking panel is made movable relative to the base, transitioning between a retracted position (reducing slack and entanglement) and an extended position (providing parking functionality). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize both connector density and reduce harmful slack effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The parking function is segmented from the main distribution frame structure, implemented as a separate movable parking panel that can be independently controlled. This allows the parking functionality to be activated only when needed, minimizing slack interference during normal operations.
2Length of moving object
If standardized length patch cords are used with guide channels, then patching flexibility is limited, but slack is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The movable parking panel dynamically adjusts the effective length available for patching by extending or retracting. When extended, it provides additional length for parking operations; when retracted, it minimizes slack. This dynamic length adjustment maintains adaptability while controlling slack.
Solution Approach 2:
The parking panel acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fixed guide channels and the patch cords. It provides the necessary length adjustment and movement freedom without requiring changes to the standardized patch cords or the fixed guide channel structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the parking panel is made movable to free up patch cord length, then patching flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parking panel is made movable relative to the base, transitioning between a retracted position (reducing slack and entanglement) and an extended position (providing parking functionality). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize both connector density and reduce harmful slack effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The parking function is segmented from the main distribution frame structure, implemented as a separate movable parking panel that can be independently controlled. This allows the parking functionality to be activated only when needed, minimizing slack interference during normal operations.
4Area of stationary object
If hinged parking panels are used, then connector density is improved, but re-patching capability is restricted due to insufficient free length
Solution Approach 1:
The parking panel extends to provide additional free length of patch cord when parking operations are needed, enabling re-patching to nearby alternative sources or destinations. The panel can be positioned at different locations along the patch cord path, providing flexible access points for re-patching operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a parking device (1), an optical distribution frame (100) and a method for temporarily parking a connector (C') associated with a patch cord (K'), wherein the parking device (1) comprises a parking panel (3) and a base (2) for supporting the parking panel (3), wherein the parking panel (3) comprises a parking panel body (30) extending in a parking plane (A) and one or more parking sockets (31) provided at said parking panel body (30) for receiving the connector (C') from a parking side (S1) of said parking plane (A), wherein the parking panel (3) is movable relative to the base (2) in a retraction direction (R) facing away from the parking side (SI) from a parking position (P1) to a retraction position (P2) spaced apart from said parking position (P1).