Pivoting Tray Cable Retention for Patch Panel Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of smaller communication connectors, such as the LC connector, in patch panels increases connector density but poses challenges for technicians with larger or less dexterous hands due to their small size, making it difficult to access and manipulate multiple connectors in close proximity.
Innovation Solution
A communication patch panel apparatus with a pivotable tray and support arm system that allows the tray to transition between a flush position within a housing and a pulled-out position, enabling rotation and spacing adjustment of connectors for improved accessibility and maintenance, while a cable retainer manages cables to prevent damage and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If smaller connectors (LC) are used to increase connector density, then the number of connectors per unit space increases, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in accessing and manipulating the small connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the tray movable rather than fixed. The tray can be pulled out from the housing to provide technicians with better access to the connectors. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt between maximizing space utilization (when tray is retracted) and improving operability (when tray is extended), directly resolving the contradiction between connector density and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the dimensionality change principle by extending the tray along the depth dimension of the housing. By pulling the tray outward along the Z-axis, technicians gain improved access to connectors without increasing the front-facing footprint. This dimensional approach allows high connector density to be maintained in the XY plane while improving accessibility through Z-axis movement
2Area of stationary object
If multiple connectors are placed in close proximity to increase density, then space utilization improves, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases due to limited space for manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the connector housing into modular components: a fixed housing containing the connectors and a movable tray that supports the connectors. This segmentation allows the connectors to remain densely packed in the fixed housing while the movable tray can be independently manipulated to provide access, thereby reducing the difficulty of detecting and measuring individual connectors without sacrificing space utilization
3Ease of operation
If the tray is made movable to improve accessibility, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional pivot and support mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by introducing a pivot mechanism that enables the tray to rotate between a retracted position (flush with housing front face) and an extended position (protruding outward). This single rotational degree of freedom provides improved accessibility while maintaining relatively simple mechanical complexity, as the pivot allows smooth transition between operational states without requiring complex multi-axis mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the counterweight principle through the support arm mechanism that balances the tray during rotation. The support arm with pivot points provides mechanical advantage to counterbalance the tray's weight, making the movement effort-independent of tray position. This reduces the perceived complexity by eliminating the need for motors or complex actuation systems
Data Source
AI summary
A system may facilitate access to communication connectors that are supported within a housing. The system may include one or more of the devices, which each include a connection means supporting the connectors. The system may also include a device that manages, e.g., guides and supports cables that are operatively coupled to the connectors. The patch panel device may have at least one tray engageable with the housing and having a first position within the housing and a second position pulled out of the housing. A proximal arm may have a proximal segment pivotably coupled to a distal segment. The proximal and distal segments may be pivotably coupled to the tray and the housing, respectively. The system may include a cable retainer configured to guide the cables. As the tray transitions from the first position to the second position, the tray is capable of rotating with respect to the housing.