Movable Patch Panel for Fiber Optic User Module Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting external fibre optic communication networks to user networks in multi-dwelling units face difficulties in installer access and handling, leading to increased working time and labour costs due to densely packed connectors and complex handling requirements.
Innovation Solution
A user module with a vertically mounted patch panel that can move between a rest and connecting position, allowing easy extraction and reinsertion for connection or repatching operations, featuring guiding elements and dovetail joints for secure positioning and protection of optical fibres.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a modular system with densely packed connectors is used to increase connection capacity, then the quantity of connections increases, but installer access and handling become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patch panel is made movable between a first position (flush with front surface) and a second position (extended outward), allowing the system to dynamically adapt between compact storage and accessible operation states, resolving the conflict between dense packing and installer access
Solution Approach 2:
The patch panel moves along the x-axis (horizontal dimension) rather than occupying vertical space, allowing connectors to be densely packed in the vertical dimension while providing horizontal access when extended, effectively adding a movement dimension to resolve the space-access conflict
2Quantity of substance
If connectors are densely packed to increase connection capacity, then the quantity of connections increases, but working time increases due to difficult access
Solution Approach 1:
The movable patch panel allows installers to quickly extend the panel when connections are needed and retract it when not in use, reducing the time installers need to work in confined spaces while maintaining high connection capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patch panel is pre-positioned in a compact state within the housing, and can be rapidly deployed to an extended working position before connection operations begin, eliminating the need for installers to work in difficult-to-access configurations throughout the entire process
3Ease of operation
If a movable patch panel is added to improve access, then ease of operation increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A movable patch panel is incorporated into the distribution rack, allowing the patch panel to extend outward from the front surface along the x-axis to a second position that provides easier access for installers while maintaining a compact first position when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution rack is divided into distinct functional modules: a stationary housing containing adapters, and a movable patch panel with connectors that can be independently positioned, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A user module (9) for connecting an external communication network (2) to a user network (3) of a building (4), comprising: - a box-shaped body (11); - a plurality of adapters (27) associable to respective optical fibre units of at least one optical cable (5) of the user network (3); and - a patch panel (90; 290) arranged between respective lower (29) and upper (30) walls of said box-shaped body (11) and configured to receive said plurality of adapters (27), said patch panel (90; 290) defining adjacent compartments (23; 24) within the user module (9); The patch panel (90, 290) is housed in said box-shaped body (11) and is movable between a rest position, wherein the patch panel (90; 290) is completely housed within the box-shaped body (11) and a connecting position, wherein the patch panel (90; 290) is at least partially extracted from the box-shaped body (11).