Optical Fiber Distribution Trays With S-Shaped Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical fiber distribution systems face challenges in density, ease of use, and cable management, necessitating improvements in rack-mounted fiber terminations, splitters, and splices.
Innovation Solution
A building block element with a movable tray and synchronized movement features, such as gears or wheels, allows for reduced cable pull and improved cable management through S-shaped pathways and flanges, enabling secure cable placement and easy access to connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a movable tray is used to access connectors, then ease of operation is improved, but cable management becomes more difficult due to cable pull
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is made movable relative to the chassis, allowing it to be pulled out for access and pushed in for compact storage. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt between operational and storage states, improving ease of access while managing cable complexity through controlled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
A synchronized movement mechanism acts as an intermediary between the tray movement and cable positioning. This mechanism coordinates the tray's movement with corresponding adjustments to cable routing and positioning, eliminating cable pull and maintaining proper cable management during tray movement.
2Device complexity
If cable slack is reduced to improve cable management, then cable organization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted access
Solution Approach 1:
The tray's movable design allows it to be pulled out completely from the chassis, providing full access to connectors while maintaining tight cable management. The dynamic movement enables the system to transition between a compact state with organized cables and an accessible state where connectors are exposed without cable tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronized movement mechanism serves as an intermediary that decouples cable management from access requirements. It coordinates cable positioning with tray movement, allowing cables to remain organized and tension-free while the tray is pulled out for connector access, thus resolving the conflict between cable organization and ease of access.
3Reliability
If frame members are fixed for structural stability, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members are designed with hinged connections rather than fixed rigid joints, allowing them to pivot and move as needed. This dynamic design maintains structural stability during normal operation while enabling easy access to connectors when the tray is pulled out, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is divided into separable, hinged sections that can move independently. This segmentation allows the frame to maintain its overall structural integrity while enabling local flexibility for access purposes, permitting frame members to pivot open for connector access while remaining stable during normal operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances cable management and accessibility, reducing fiber damage and slack, while allowing for efficient use of space and ease of maintenance in optical fiber distribution systems.
Implementation Method 1
The slide mechanism includes a synchronized movement feature for managing the cables extending to and from the tray, such that cable pull at the entry and exit locations is reduced or eliminated as the tray is moved. One synchronized movement feature includes gears, including a rack and pinion system.
Implementation Method 2
Another synchronized movement feature includes wheels and wires.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical fiber distribution system including a rack and elements which populate the rack including fiber terminations. Each element includes a chassis and a movable tray. The movable tray includes a synchronized movement device for moving a cable radius limiter. The tray includes cable terminations which extend in a line generally parallel to a direction of movement of the movable tray. Each of the cable terminations are mounted on hinged frame members positioned on each tray. The cables entering and exiting the movable tray follow a generally S-shaped pathway.