Patch panel tray assembly
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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 device with a tray and arms that allow for adjustable spacing and easy access to multiple connectors, featuring a pivotable design and attachment members that facilitate secure cable attachment and manipulation, enabling easier handling and maintenance of densely packed connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If smaller connectors (LC) are used instead of larger connectors (SC), then connector density increases, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patch panel is divided into multiple independent trays, each capable of holding a specific number of connectors. This segmentation allows technicians to access and manipulate connectors in smaller, manageable groups rather than dealing with all connectors simultaneously, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining high density.
Solution Approach 2:
The trays are designed to be movable and adjustable within the patch panel structure. Technicians can slide trays in and out, adjust their positions, and access different trays sequentially. This dynamic design enables easy manipulation of small connectors without requiring access to the entire panel at once, resolving the accessibility issue while preserving connector density.
2Quantity of substance
If more connectors are placed within the same amount of space, then connector density increases, but difficulty of accessing connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging all connectors in a single two-dimensional plane, the patent utilizes the third dimension by stacking multiple trays vertically. This allows a high number of connectors to be packed into a compact space while technicians can access each tray independently by sliding them out, thereby maintaining both high density and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The trays act as intermediaries between the technician and the connectors. Rather than directly accessing connectors packed closely together, technicians interact with the trays, which provide a mechanical interface for easy grasping and manipulation. This intermediary structure enables easy access to densely packed connectors.
3Ease of operation
If duplex configuration is used to hold LC connectors, then ease of handling improves, but two connectors are affected by any servicing procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patch panel is segmented into multiple trays, and each tray can be independently accessed and serviced. While connectors within a tray may be in duplex configuration, the ability to isolate and service individual trays means that not all connectors are affected by a single servicing procedure, providing granular control and independent servicing capability.
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. Each device may include a tray having a proximal portion pivotably coupled to a distal portion, the proximal portion including a lip extending at an oblique angle away from the tray. A plurality of arms may be pivotably attached to the distal portion of the tray. A plurality of cable attachment members may be coupled to the plurality of arms. A plate may be attached to a bottom surface of the tray, a proximal portion of the plate including a lip extending along a bottom portion of the proximal lip of the tray, and a distal portion including a lip extending at an oblique angle away from the distal portion of the tray.