Pivotable Splice Tray for Network Access Point Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network access point (NAP) enclosures are rigid, have fixed fiber drop output angles, and often use epoxy potting assemblies, making them difficult to install and limiting their flexibility for fiber management and splicing.
Innovation Solution
A network access point enclosure with a pivotable splice tray that allows increased access to both sides during assembly, featuring a base, cover, retainer, and coupling assembly for secure and flexible fiber optic cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid enclosure with fixed fiber drop output angle is used, then the structure is simple and stable, but installation flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the splice tray pivotable between multiple orientations (first and second orientations) relative to the base. This allows the enclosure to adapt to different installation configurations and fiber management needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The pivotable connection enables the splice tray to be positioned at different angles, providing installation flexibility without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable enclosure design.
2Ease of manufacture
If epoxy potting assembly is used, then fiber management is secure, but the process is difficult and the enclosure becomes a one-time use item
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the fiber management function into a distinct pivotable splice tray component that can be independently assembled and configured. This replaces the monolithic epoxy potting assembly with modular components (base, cover, retainer, and splice tray) that can be assembled together, making the manufacturing process easier while maintaining secure fiber management through the pivotable tray design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the discarding and recovering principle by eliminating the need for epoxy potting, which is a permanent and difficult-to-reverse process. The pivotable splice tray design allows for easier assembly and disassembly, enabling technicians to recover and reconfigure components if needed, rather than being locked into a permanent epoxy-filled structure.
3Ease of operation
If splice tray is fixed in one orientation, then the structure is simple, but access to both sides during assembly is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by providing a pivotable connection between the splice tray and the base, allowing the splice tray to be rotated between different orientations. This enables technicians to access both the front and rear sides of the splice tray during assembly operations, improving ease of operation without requiring an overly complex mechanism - simply a pivot joint that allows controlled rotation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional NAP enclosure is used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but fiber management and splicing capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the enclosure into distinct functional components: base, cover, retainer, and pivotable splice tray. This modular approach enhances fiber management and splicing capabilities by providing dedicated spaces and adjustable positions for fiber work, while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized components that can be assembled together using conventional manufacturing techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
A network access point enclosure is configured to house a splice tray that is configured to pivot to provide increased access to opposite sides of the splice tray during assembly. The enclosure includes a base, a cover configured to be sealingly coupled with the base to form a housing, and a splice tray configured to be pivotally coupled with the base. The splice tray is configured to be pivoted between a first orientation relative to the base and a second orientation relative to the base. The splice tray is configured to form a larger angle relative to the base in the first orientation than in the second orientation, and the splice tray is configured to provide increased access to a front side of the splice tray and a rear side of the splice tray in the first orientation than in the second orientation.