Pivoting Optical Fiber Tray for Interior Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

In telecommunications equipment, the compact design of optical fiber management trays within closures limits access to interior fiber management features, making it challenging to perform delicate fiber management tasks.

Innovation Solution

The optical fiber management tray assembly includes a first tray piece pivotally coupled to a tray support and a second tray piece pivotally coupled to the first tray piece, with an interior surface of the second tray piece configured to manage optical fibers. This design allows for a closed configuration and an access configuration, improving access to fiber management components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the optical fiber management tray is designed to be compact to fit within telecommunications closures, then the closure can maintain its compact and weatherproof design, but access to interior fiber management features becomes limited and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetray volumeVSAvoidaccess to fiber management features

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tray assembly is divided into multiple pivotally coupled pieces (first tray piece, second tray piece, third tray piece) that can be independently accessed. Each piece can be pivoted open to provide access to specific fiber management features located on that piece, allowing technicians to reach interior features without dismantling the entire compact tray structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tray assembly incorporates multiple pivotal connections that allow dynamic reconfiguration between closed and open states. The first, second, and third tray pieces can be pivoted relative to each other and to the tray support, transforming the compact closed configuration into an accessible open configuration where fiber management features are exposed for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the tray assembly uses multiple pivotally coupled pieces to improve access, then fiber management features become more accessible, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to fiber management featuresVSAvoidtray assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each pivotally coupled piece serves multiple functions: the first tray piece provides structural support and houses certain fiber management features, the second tray piece provides additional support and access pathways, and the third tray piece houses remaining features. The pivotal connections serve both as structural joints and as access mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250147258A1Optical fiber management tray assembly with improved access to interior fiber management features

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

An optical fiber management tray assembly with improved work surface access. The assembly includes a first piece and a second piece pivotally attached to the first piece. The first piece is configured to pivotally attach to a tray support structure. One or more fiber management components are positioned on an interior side of the second piece. The second piece can be pivoted away from the first piece to provide access to the one or more fiber management components.