Patch Panel Cable Retainer Arm for Dense Connector Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of smaller connectors, such as the LC connector, in communication patch panels increases connector density but poses challenges in accessibility due to their small size, particularly for technicians with larger or less dexterous hands, as they require manual handling and can affect multiple connectors simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A communication patch panel system with a tray and housing configuration that allows the tray to transition between positions, incorporating a retainer arm and actuation mechanism to move the cable retainer from a position over the tray to extend beyond its side, facilitating easier access and maintenance of connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If smaller connectors (LC) are used to increase connector density, then the number of connectors per unit space increases, but the accessibility and ease of manual handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patch panel tray is designed to be movable between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (during maintenance or installation). This dynamic positioning allows technicians to easily access and manipulate small LC connectors when needed, while maintaining high connector density in the retracted state. The movable tray resolves the contradiction by providing ease of operation only when required, without permanently compromising the compact arrangement.
2Productivity
If more connectors are placed within the same rack space, then space utilization improves, but the difficulty of accessing and servicing individual connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector array is segmented into multiple trays that can be independently moved. This segmentation allows technicians to access only the specific tray containing the connectors that need servicing, rather than having to manipulate all connectors simultaneously. The segmentation reduces the complexity of servicing by isolating the work area to a manageable subset of connectors while maintaining high overall rack density.
3Ease of operation
If duplex configuration is used to hold LC connectors, then ease of handling improves, but the number of connectors affected by servicing procedures doubles
Solution Approach 1:
The movable tray design applies local quality by providing enhanced accessibility specifically to the tray containing LC connectors during maintenance operations. When the tray is extended, technicians can easily handle duplex connectors. However, the localized movement isolates the effect to only the connectors on that specific tray, rather than affecting all connectors in the rack. This resolves the contradiction by limiting the quantity of connectors affected to only those locally accessed.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a system may facilitate access to communication connectors, adapters, and/or ports that are supported within a housing, e.g., a rack or cabinet. The system may include one or more of the devices. The system may also include a device that manages, e.g., guides and supports cables that are operatively coupled to the connectors, adapters, and/or ports. The ports may be on a tray that is engaged with the housing. A retainer arm may have first end, and a second end pivotably coupled to the tray. A cable retainer may be coupled to the retainer arm. An actuation mechanism may operably couple the tray to the retainer arm. The actuation mechanism may be configured to move the cable retainer from a first position over the tray to a second position extending beyond a side of the tray as the tray is pulled out of the housing.