Patch Panel Sliding Drawer With Flexible Attachment Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patch panels do not allow for ergonomic mounting of cables and connectors during installation, as the drawer support for connectors is not designed to be entirely extracted outside the frame, leading to potential accidental damage during site work.
Innovation Solution
A patch panel design featuring a frame and a sliding drawer with a flexible elongate body attachment device that maintains the drawer's attachment to the frame in both pushed-in and extracted positions, using a flared and recessed shape for secure engagement, allowing for easier cable management and preventing accidental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drawer is designed to be entirely extracted outside the frame during mounting, then ergonomic mounting of cables and connectors is improved, but the drawer becomes vulnerable to accidental damage during site work
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device allows the drawer to dynamically transition between two states: fully extracted position for ergonomic cable mounting, and retracted position for protection within the frame. The flexible elongate body enables smooth transition between these states while maintaining secure attachment throughout the movement cycle.
2Reliability
If the drawer is kept attached to the frame during extraction, then protection against accidental damage is improved, but the opening in the front face of the panel is not sufficiently cleared for ergonomic mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elongate body acts as an intermediary element that maintains the connection between the drawer and frame while allowing the drawer to be fully extracted. This intermediary attachment mechanism enables the drawer to move outside the frame opening for ergonomic work while remaining securely connected to prevent accidental damage.
3Ease of operation
If the drawer is placed away from the zone of intervention before mounting, then workspace organization is improved, but the drawer is exposed to accidental degradations
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is pre-installed on both the drawer and frame, enabling the drawer to be safely extracted and positioned away from the work zone before cable mounting begins. This preliminary preparation allows organizers to place drawers in safe locations, reducing exposure to accidental damage while maintaining workflow efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments are directed to a patch panel including a frame, at least one plug-in module including connectors, arranged in such a way as to slide between a pushed-in position in which the plug-in module is placed in a housing in the frame and an extracted position in which the plug-in module is outside the housing, the panel further including a device for attaching the plug-in module to the frame, the attachment device including: at least one flexible elongate body arranged in such a way as to slide with respect to the frame and/or to the plug-in module; a first end designed to attach the plug-in module to the attachment device when the plug-in module is in the extracted position; and a second end designed to attached the attachment device to the frame when the plug-in module is in the extracted position.