Patch Panel Cable Spool Layout for Compact Multi-Connection Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need to efficiently provide for hard-wired connections between rack-mounted units and distant devices, particularly when multiple connections are required, and to manage long cable runs in patch panel configurations.
Innovation Solution
A patch panel design featuring an enclosure with front and back portions, where the back portions accommodate cable spools and connectors, and cable guides route inner cables from front side ports to rear side connectors, allowing for superimposed cable spools along the height dimension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cable spools are stored in traditional horizontal arrangements, then cable accessibility is maintained, but the patch panel occupies excessive horizontal space and becomes unwieldly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional horizontal cable spool arrangement to a vertical stacking configuration along the height dimension. Multiple cable spools are positioned one above another in the back portion of the patch panel, converting the space utilization from horizontal plane to vertical dimension, thereby reducing horizontal footprint while maintaining cable accessibility through vertically arranged cable guides
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cable spools are added to support multiple distant device connections, then connection versatility is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple cable spools are vertically stacked within the back portion of the patch panel enclosure. Each cable spool is positioned within the same vertical space column, with cable guides routed through the front portion to connect to corresponding ports. This nesting approach allows multiple cable spools to occupy a compact vertical volume rather than spreading out horizontally, reducing overall device complexity while supporting multiple distant device connections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent organizes multiple cable spools along the height dimension rather than distributing them horizontally. This vertical arrangement consolidates multiple cable management functions into a single compact region at the back of the patch panel, reducing the horizontal space required and simplifying the overall cable management architecture while maintaining the ability to connect to multiple distant devices
Data Source
AI summary
A patch panel, including an enclosure having a height dimension, a width dimension, and a depth dimension, the enclosure having at least one front portion, each front portion configured to accommodate a plurality of front side ports, and at least one back portion, each back portion configured to accommodate two or more cable spools and two or more rear side connectors; and two or more cable guides corresponding to respective ones of the rear side connectors, each cable guide configured to route one or more inner cables from the front side ports to the respective rear side connector, wherein for each back portion the at least two or more cable spools are superimposed along the height dimension.