Rack-Mountable Patch Panel Fixation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mounting and unmounting telecommunications patch panels in racks can be difficult for a single person, especially when patch cords are connected, as it requires holding the panel with one hand while engaging screws with the other, and traditional methods often require free space above or below the mounting location, which is undesirable in space-constrained environments.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications patch panel with a mounting interface featuring linearly movable fixation means that allows the panel to be suspended and securely fixed in a rack without needing free space above or below, using hooks and a threaded element for manual adjustment without tools, enabling suspension and secure fixing in a standardized 19-inch rack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw mounting method is used, then secure fixation is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in holding panel and engaging screws simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting interface is segmented into separate functions: the mounting plate provides positioning and support, while the fixation means (screw with integrated lever arm and cam mechanism) provides secure fixation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, improving overall ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever arm acts as an intermediary between the operator's hand and the screw mechanism. By providing a lever arm extending perpendicular to the screw axis, the system mediates the conversion of rotational motion into linear motion more efficiently, reducing the effort required to engage and disengage the fixation mechanism.
2Area of stationary object
If patch panel is mounted without free space above or below, then rack space utilization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to access mounting location from above or below
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation means extends in a direction perpendicular to the rack's vertical axis, utilizing the horizontal dimension for operation. The lever arm protrudes laterally from the mounting plate, allowing the operator to access and operate the fixation mechanism from the side rather than requiring vertical clearance above or below the patch panel.
3Ease of operation
If fixation means is made linearly movable between multiple positions, then ease of operation is improved for suspension and securing, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate and fixation means are merged into a single integrated mounting interface assembly. The mounting plate and fixation means share common mounting holes and are positioned relative to each other in fixed relationships, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall structure despite the multiple positions of the fixation means.
Data Source
AI summary
Telecommunications patch panel (10) comprising a mounting interface for mounting the patch panel (10) in a mounting location of a rack, wherein the mounting interface comprises fixation means (120) for suspending and securely fixing the patch panel (10) on the rack. The fixation means (120) is/are linearly movable, relative to the mounting interface, in a first direction between a first position and a second position, and in a second direction between the second position and a third position.