Rear-Mounted Patch Panels for High-Density Fiber and Copper Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data communication network racks and patch panels face limitations in connection density due to standardized dimensions, restricting the number of connector ports that can be accommodated within a given space, especially in high-density data centers and enterprise networks.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves utilizing the horizontal depth of the rack instead of the traditional front-facing width to accommodate patch panels that extend into the rack's depth, allowing for increased connection ports while maintaining the standard 19″ width and 1 U height, with various support structures and cable management arrangements to optimize port geometry and cable handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If patch panels are configured with standardized 19" width and front-facing port arrangement, then compatibility with standard racks is maintained, but the number of connection ports per panel is limited to 48 ports maximum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional front-facing port arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by utilizing the rack depth dimension. Patch panels are mounted on the rear wall of the rack with ports arranged to face into the rack interior, allowing cables to route through the rack depth rather than across the front width. This dimensional shift enables significantly higher port density within the same standardized rack footprint.
2Quantity of substance
If more connection ports are added to a patch panel, then connection density increases, but the panel width and cable management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By mounting panels on the rear wall and arranging ports to face into the rack, the invention utilizes the depth dimension for cable routing. Cables connect to ports and route forward through the rack interior, distributing cable management throughout the rack volume rather than concentrating it at the front panel, thereby reducing local complexity despite increased port count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple smaller patch panels (e.g., 24-port panels) distributed throughout the rack depth rather than one large panel at the front. This segmentation allows cable management to be distributed across multiple locations within the rack, reducing the complexity burden on any single panel while achieving high overall connection density.
3Quantity of substance
If patch panels utilize front-facing width for ports, then cable access is simplified, but the maximum number of ports per panel is restricted to 48
Solution Approach 1:
The invention relocates port access from the front face to the rear wall mounting configuration, with ports facing into the rack. Cables access ports by routing through the rack interior along the depth dimension, utilizing vertical cable trays and management structures within the rack rather than across the front width, thereby enabling higher port counts while maintaining operational accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack and patch panel arrangement includes a rack having at least two mounting rails. The rack has a height width and depth. A patch panel is supported on a frame connected to the mounting rails. The patch panel, when mounted on the frame extends horizontally into the depth of the rack.