Patch Module Storage for Accessible Dust Caps and Splice Trays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fiber optic cable management systems lack a practical design for storing and easily accessing dust protection caps and specialized tools, leading to potential loss or difficulty in procuring them when needed, and do not efficiently manage splice and patch points.

Innovation Solution

A patch module stack with integrated storage compartments for dust protection caps and specialized tools, positioned at the front corner for easy access, and a pivotable design allowing unobstructed access to splice trays while keeping dust caps and tools readily available.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If dust protection caps are stored separately from the patch module, then the patch module structure remains simple, but dust caps are difficult to access and may be lost or contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of dust protection capsVSAvoidpatch module structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage compartment for dust protection caps is integrated directly into the patch module structure, merging the storage function with the patch module itself. This eliminates the need for separate storage locations and ensures dust caps are always accessible at the patch point without risking loss or contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If multiple patch points are arranged in a compact stack, then space utilization improves, but access to individual patch points becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidaccess to patch points
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patch module stack is divided into multiple independent patch modules, each with its own storage compartment and patch points. This segmentation allows each module to be accessed independently while maintaining compact stacking, resolving the conflict between space utilization and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If splice trays are made accessible by pivoting the patch module, then connection operations become easier, but the stability of the module decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to splice traysVSAvoidmodule stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patch module incorporates a pivotable design that allows the module to rotate between a stored position (stable, compact) and a working position (accessible, operational). This dynamic capability enables easy access to splice trays during connection operations while maintaining stability when stacked in the stored position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3916454B1Patch module
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 HAUFF TECH GRIDCOM GMBH
  • EP3916454B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3916454B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3916454B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a patch module with a plurality of patch points and a storage area for associated dust caps and other parts.