Pivotable Patch Panel for Compact Fiber Splicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications systems that splice and manage fiber optic cables occupy significant space, making them inefficient in terms of footprint usage without compromising functionality.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications system that incorporates a pivotable frame for the patch panel and splice area, allowing for compact storage and access, along with angled splitter modules and cable management structures to minimize space while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional cable management systems are used, then fiber optic cables can be spliced and managed, but the system occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patch panel is mounted on a pivotable frame that can rotate between a storage position (minimizing footprint) and an access position (providing access to the splice area). This dynamic positioning allows the system to transition between compact storage and operational states, resolving the contradiction between small footprint and ease of access.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable frame utilizes rotational movement in a third dimension to achieve compact footprint while maintaining access capability. By moving the patch panel between positions in space rather than expanding horizontally, the system reduces the occupied area while preserving functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If splitter modules are arranged vertically, then space is minimized, but cable management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management structure uses nested components including cable channels, cable managers, and radius limiters that are integrated within the vertical arrangement of splitter modules. This nesting approach allows complex cable management functionality to be incorporated within the compact vertical footprint without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management system is segmented into distinct functional components (cable channels for routing, cable managers for organization, radius limiters for protection) that can be independently implemented and optimized. This segmentation allows each component to address specific cable management needs while maintaining overall compactness.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cabinet having a framework for mounting telecommunications equipment includes a framework and telecommunications equipment mounted to the framework. The equipment may include splitter modules. Spools are mounted within the cabinet to manage overlength slack in fiber optic cables within the cabinet. A patch panel is mounted within the cabinet and define a plurality of cable termination locations for receiving at least some of the fiber optic cables. The patch panel is mounted on a pivotable frame between a storage position and an access position. The plurality of spools are positioned intermediate the telecommunications equipment and the patch panel. A splice area is mounted within the cabinet and is accessible when the pivotable frame is in the access position. The splice area receives fiber optic cables from the patch panel for splicing to additional cables.