Pivotable Fiber Optic Bracket for Coaxial Tray Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic networks face challenges in managing and organizing high-density fiber optic cables, leading to potential damage from undesired movement of optical fibers when accessing densely stacked fiber optic trays.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic system comprising a fiber optic tray and a pivotably mounted fiber optic bracket, which retains the tray with its cable entry port aligned coaxially with the axis of rotation, minimizing strain on optical fibers during access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fiber optic trays are configured to be slid at least partially out of the equipment rack to enable access, then ease of operation is improved, but optical fibers may experience undesired movement leading to kinking or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic bracket is designed to pivot rotatably about an axis of rotation, allowing the tray to be rotated into an accessible position without sliding it out of the rack. This dynamic movement enables easy access to densely stacked trays while keeping the optical fibers stationary and aligned with the axis of rotation, preventing kinking or damage.
2Productivity
If high density stacking of fiber optic trays is implemented, then productivity is improved, but optical fibers are more susceptible to damage during access operations
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable bracket design allows each tray to be independently rotated into position for access, enabling high-density stacking while eliminating the need to move other trays or pull on optical fibers. This reduces the risk of damage even when trays are densely packed.
Solution Approach 2:
The axis of rotation acts as an intermediary point around which the tray rotates, allowing the tray to be accessed without moving the optical fibers that pass through the bracket. This intermediary mechanism decouples the movement of the tray from the optical fibers, preventing damage during access operations.
3Ease of operation
If optical fibers are routed through pivotable brackets, then ease of operation is improved, but the fibers may experience strain during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed to pivot rotatably about an axis of rotation that passes through or near the point where optical fibers enter the tray. This allows the tray to be rotated into an accessible position while keeping the optical fibers aligned with the axis of rotation, minimizing strain and preventing damage during rotation operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fiber optic system is provided. The fiber optic system comprises a fiber optic tray and a fiber optic bracket for mounting the fiber optic tray in an equipment rack. The fiber optic tray comprises a cable entry port for receiving an optical fiber. The fiber optic bracket comprises one or more first retaining features for retaining the fiber optic tray and a mount for pivotably mounting the fiber optic bracket in the equipment rack about an axis of rotation. The one or more first retaining features of the fiber optic bracket are configured to retain the fiber optic tray with the cable entry port of the fiber optic tray proximal to the axis of rotation such that an optical fiber entering the fiber optic tray from the equipment rack enters the cable entry port substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation.