Pivoting Cable Anchor for Dense Chassis Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing termination panels in local area networks and telecommunication systems lack flexibility in cable routing and protection, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in cable management.

Innovation Solution

A communication panel with a chassis that includes a cable anchor station capable of switching between two cable routing configurations, along with a pivoting mounting bracket and a cable guide for bend radius protection, allowing for flexible cable management and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed cable routing path is used in traditional termination panels, then the installation process is simple, but the cable management flexibility is poor and cables may be damaged due to overbending

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable routing flexibilityVSAvoidcable anchor station complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable anchor station incorporates a pivoting mounting bracket that can rotate between multiple positions, allowing the cable routing path to dynamically adapt to different installation scenarios. This dynamic mechanism enables the system to switch between fixed and flexible routing modes, resolving the contradiction between routing flexibility and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cable anchor station is divided into separable components including the mounting bracket, cable clamps, and positioning mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall functionality, reducing the perceived complexity while enhancing adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If cables are routed through a compact chassis with dense port configuration, then the space utilization is improved, but the risk of cable overbending and damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechassis space utilizationVSAvoidcable damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cable guide structure serves as an intermediary element between the compact chassis interior and the cable anchor station. This guide ensures cables follow a controlled path with adequate bend radius, protecting cables from overbending damage while maintaining the compact chassis design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates pre-positioned cable guides and protection structures that are installed before cable routing. These protective elements are built into the chassis design to prevent cable damage before it can occur, allowing dense port configuration without increasing cable damage risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cable routing options are provided, then the adaptability to different installation scenarios is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation scenario adaptabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is pre-configured with multiple positioning slots and the cable clamps are pre-positioned on the bracket. This preliminary arrangement allows installers to quickly select and secure the desired routing position without complex assembly steps, maintaining fast installation while providing multiple routing options

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cable anchor station design allows the mounting bracket to be easily adjusted and secured by the installer without requiring specialized tools or expertise. The self-contained nature of the adjustment mechanism enables quick switching between routing options, reducing installation time while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12244980B2Communications panel with selectable cable entry
Publication Date: 2025.03.04 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US12244980B2 patent drawing
  • US12244980B2 patent drawing
  • US12244980B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pivoting mounting bracket enables a user to select a cable entry direction for a pre-cabled chassis. The cable can be anchored to the mounting bracket prior to selecting the cable entry direction. A cable guide may protect against overbending of the cable during pivoting of the mounting bracket. Certain types of chassis can be pre-cabled with at least 576 or even at least 864 optical fibers within a 5 RU space. Certain types of chassis can include a v-shaped panel to hold front ports (e.g., optical adapters).