Oblique Patching Modules for High-Density Fiber Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High-density fiber distribution frames in telecommunications face challenges with cable and cord management due to space constraints, leading to issues like excessive bending, tangling, and reduced accessibility, which hinder efficient operation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications patching system with obliquely angled patching modules and serrated cutouts in a carrier panel, allowing for increased port density while maintaining organized cable routing and accessibility, featuring modules with telecommunications connectors and guides to prevent cable bending and tangling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fiber distribution frames are configured with increased density (more ports per unit volume), then port density is improved, but cable management becomes difficult and cable bending increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patching modules are oriented at an oblique angle (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the vertical direction, transitioning from conventional horizontal or vertical arrangements. This angular orientation creates additional spatial dimension for cable routing, allowing cables to be directed horizontally along the rack front while modules face obliquely, thereby reducing cable bending and improving management in high-density configurations
2Quantity of substance
If patching modules are arranged at oblique angles to increase port density, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility for maintenance may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses individual removable patching modules that can be independently accessed and serviced. Each module is a discrete unit with connectors mounted on its main panel, allowing technicians to pull out specific modules for maintenance without affecting other modules. This segmentation maintains high overall density while preserving ease of repair through modular independence
3Quantity of substance
If more connectors are mounted on each patching module to increase density, then port density is improved, but cable routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By orienting modules at oblique angles, the system creates horizontal routing paths along the rack front that separate cable pathways from module orientations. This dimensional separation allows multiple connectors on each module to be accessed through consistent horizontal cable routes, reducing routing complexity despite increased connector density
Data Source
AI summary
A telecommunications patching system includes: a carrier having a generally vertically disposed carrier panel, the carrier panel including a cutout area; and a plurality of patching modules. Each of the patching modules has a main panel and a plurality of telecommunications connectors mounted thereon. The patching modules are inserted into the cutout area so that the main panels thereof are substantially parallel to each other, and so that the main panels define an oblique angle relative to vertical. In such a configuration port density can be increased over typical systems.