Telecom Rack Interface Panel with Sliding Splitter Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications systems face a challenge in increasing functionality while minimizing costs, particularly in devices and arrangements for fiber optic splicing and splitting within telecommunications racks.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications interface panel with a fixed tray mounting functional splicing and splitting components that slide for access, allowing for compact, low-cost integration of splicing and splitting functions within a single rack unit space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sliding drawer assemblies are used to provide access to splicing and splitting components, then component accessibility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface panel is divided into separate functional modules: a fixed tray containing splicing components and removable splitter modules that can be independently accessed. This segmentation allows the splicing function to remain fixed while splitter modules can be removed and reinserted, providing accessibility without requiring a complex sliding drawer assembly for the entire unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The splitter modules are designed with removable and reinsertable characteristics, allowing dynamic access to splitting components without moving the entire tray or panel. This partial mobility provides the necessary accessibility while maintaining the stability of the fixed splicing components.
2Reliability
If separate panels are used for splicing and splitting functions, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface panel combines both splicing and splitting functions within a single integrated unit. The fixed tray houses splicing components while removable modules provide splitting functionality, merging previously separate functions into one compact assembly that reduces overall system complexity while maintaining functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface panel is designed as a multi-functional unit that performs both splicing and splitting operations. The universal design allows a single panel to replace multiple specialized panels, reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining the reliability of each function through dedicated components within the unified structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed tray design is used for the interface panel, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but component accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed tray design is segmented into stationary and removable portions. The fixed tray provides the stable, cost-effective base structure, while specific modules (splitter modules) are designed to be removable for accessibility. This segmentation allows the majority of the structure to benefit from simple fixed tray manufacturing while providing targeted access to components that require frequent interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
Specific components (splitter modules) are extracted from the fixed tray as removable units. This extraction allows these specific components to be accessed by removal rather than requiring the entire tray to be movable, maintaining the cost benefits of a fixed tray design while providing necessary accessibility to specific functional elements.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface panel that mounts to a telecommunications rack. The interface panel including a splicing arrangement and a splitter module. The interface panel further including a fixed tray to which each of the splicing arrangement and the splitter module mounts. The splicing arrangement and the splitter module each having a sliding mounting arrangement that provides access to the functional splicing and splitting components.