Pre-connectorized Fiber Optic Cable Management Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic network environments face complex cable management and access challenges due to the large number of connectors in distribution frames, requiring a solution that allows for easy linking and maintenance of fiber optic cables without tools, while enabling access from the rear side without uninstalling the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A pre-connectorized data center apparatus with a housing, adapters, and a storage tray that allows manual coiling and uncoiling of fiber optic cables, featuring a transition lid for cable routing, a lock mechanism for strain relief, and tool-free mounting, enabling easy access and deployment of multi-fiber connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fiber optic cables are managed in traditional distribution frames with multiple connectors, then connection points can be established, but cable management becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution frame is segmented into modular units, each handling a specific fiber optic cable with its own storage tray and routing path. This divides the complex cable management task into manageable sections, reducing overall system complexity while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to cable management by implementing stacked storage trays and multi-level routing paths within the distribution frame. This three-dimensional approach allows multiple cables to be organized and accessed independently without horizontal clutter, simplifying cable management.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connectors are densely populated in distribution frames to provide multiple connections, then network connectivity is improved, but access and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Connectors are grouped into separate modular sections within the distribution frame, with each section containing a limited number of connectors for specific network functions. This segmentation allows technicians to access and maintain connectors in small, manageable groups rather than navigating through densely packed connectors, improving ease of operation while maintaining high network connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediate access panels and removable connector blocks that act as mediators between the densely populated connectors and the technician. These intermediaries provide organized access points and protective coverings, making it easier to locate and maintain specific connectors without exposing the entire dense connector array.
3Productivity
If fiber optic cable is pre-connectorized for easy installation, then deployment time is reduced, but cable flexibility and reconfigurability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution frame incorporates dynamic, reconfigurable routing paths and movable storage trays that allow pre-connectorized cables to be easily redirected and reconfigured. The system transitions from a static installation to a dynamically adjustable configuration, maintaining both deployment speed and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Cables are pre-connectorized with adapters and organized in pre-configured storage trays during manufacturing, eliminating the need for field termination and significantly reducing deployment time. The preliminary organization includes flexible routing guides and accessible storage positions that maintain reconfigurability capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A pre-connectorized network interconnection apparatus including a housing defining at least one opening for mounting at least one adapter therein, a cable storage tray movably attached to the housing movable between an opened position and a closed position for cable access, and a predetermined length of pre-connectorized fiber optic cable maintained on the storage tray, wherein a first end of the fiber optic cable terminates in at least one connector routed to the at least one connector adapter within the apparatus and a second end of the fiber optic cable terminates in at least one connector that is routed to a predetermined location within a fiber optic network. A data center network apparatus for linking separated fiber optic connection points using a length of pre-connectorized fiber optic cable.