Overhead Cable Termination Device for Rack Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The telecommunications industry faces challenges in efficiently managing and organizing cables and associated components in limited spaces within telecommunication facilities, where conventional methods often require valuable rack space for termination panels, limiting capacity and requiring additional infrastructure for expansion.
Innovation Solution
An overhead cable management system with a cable termination device that mounts to an overhead pathway structure, allowing cable terminations above equipment racks, reducing the need for rack space and enabling expansion without adding racks or obstructing airflow, using a frame with snap-mount modules and threaded fasteners for easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cable termination panels are mounted on equipment racks, then cable management is achieved, but valuable rack space is consumed limiting capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The cable termination device is mounted overhead above the equipment racks rather than on the rack faces themselves. This vertical dimension shift moves the termination function from the horizontal rack surface to the overhead space, freeing up rack face area while maintaining cable management capability. The device includes an overhead mounting structure that attaches to the building structure or rack overhead, positioning terminations in the unused vertical space above the racks.
2Productivity
If rack space is increased to accommodate more terminations, then service capacity increases, but additional racks or infrastructure are required
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead cable termination device serves multiple functions within a single integrated structure: it provides cable support, termination mounting, cable routing guidance, and space organization all in one overhead assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate infrastructure elements and allows high service capacity to be achieved without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving terminations to the overhead dimension, the system horizontally scales service capacity within the same floor footprint. Multiple termination devices can be mounted overhead in a grid pattern, increasing capacity without adding vertical rack height or requiring additional rack units, thus avoiding the infrastructure complexity of installing more racks.
3Productivity
If racks are added to increase capacity, then service capacity increases, but floor space and airflow pathways are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The solution exploits the unused overhead vertical space above the racks to accommodate cable terminations. This dimensional relocation allows the system to increase service capacity without expanding the horizontal floor footprint or adding more racks that would block airflow pathways and consume additional floor space.
Data Source
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AI summary
A telecommunications apparatus (10, 210) includes a frame (20, 220) for mounting to a fiber optic cable trough (104, 106, 206). The frame (20, 220) includes a main body (22, 222) defining at least one opening (24, 26). The opening (24, 26) receives a connector module (60, 260). The frame (20, 220) includes a plurality of extensions (40, 240) extending transversely to the main body (22), wherein one or more extensions (40, 240) includes two parallel prongs (42) separated by a slot (44). Fasteners (34) mount the frame (20, 220) to slots (138) on a trough system element.