Pivoting Fiber Optic Module Trays for Dense Cable Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In environments of higher fiber density, accessing, cleaning, and repairing fiber optic equipment pose challenges due to increased complexity and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
The development of telecommunications trays and modules with radius limiters, pivotable designs, and removable cassettes that facilitate cable management and provide access for cleaning and repair, incorporating features like hinges, linkage systems, and cable overlength chambers to manage cables and allow for efficient signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fiber optic equipment density is increased to meet growing capacity demand, then transmission capacity is improved, but accessibility for cleaning and repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic equipment is divided into modular telecommunications modules that can be independently accessed and removed from the tray. Each module contains specific fiber connections and can be individually serviced without disturbing other modules, enabling maintenance while maintaining high density.
Solution Approach 2:
The telecommunications module incorporates a pivotable design with hinges that allow the module to rotate from a horizontal operating position to a vertical maintenance position. This dynamic movement provides easy access to fiber connections for cleaning and repair while maintaining compact space utilization during normal operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fiber optic cable length is increased to provide flexibility in routing, then cable flexibility is improved, but cable management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable overlength chamber provides a nested storage space within the telecommunications module where excess cable length is coiled and contained. Radius limiters are nested within this chamber to guide and constrain the cable path, preventing tangling and simplifying cable management while maintaining routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Radius limiters serve as intermediary elements between the fiber optic cables and the cable overlength chamber. These limiters guide the cables through defined paths with appropriate bend radii, managing cable routing complexity while preserving flexibility for different installation configurations.
3Ease of repair
If telecommunications module is made removable and pivotable to improve accessibility, then ease of maintenance is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is integrated directly into the tray structure, merging the pivot function with the existing support framework. This combination provides the removable and pivotable functionality needed for easy maintenance while minimizing additional structural complexity by reusing existing tray components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism enables dynamic movement of the telecommunications module between horizontal and vertical positions. This simple rotational joint provides complex functionality - easy removal for repair, secure positioning during operation, and accessible cable connections - without requiring complex actuation or locking systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A telecommunications tray (50/300/400/600/900/1100/1200/1400/1800) is configured for mounting to a telecommunications fixture. The tray (50) includes a removably mounted telecommunications module (100/200/302/402/700/800/1000/1100/1300/1900/2000) that defines a body that is enclosed by a cover (1102/1320/1924) to define an interior. The module (100/200/302/402/700/800/1000/1100/1300/1900/2000) includes radius limiters (902/1356/1358/1954) within the interior for managing cables and defines connection locations for inputting and/or outputting signals via cables for processing within the module (100/200/302/402/700/800/1000/1100/1300/1900/2000), the telecommunications module (100/200/302/402/700/800/1000/1100/1300/1900/2000) movably mounted to the tray (50/300/400/600/900/1100/1200/1400/1800).