Rotatable Cassette Connector Cabinet for Flexible Cable Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable cabinets require complex and space-consuming solutions for installing optical fibers, as cassettes can only access cable ducts from below, limiting installation flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A connector cabinet with a rotatable cassette that can be positioned to face either side, allowing for easy installation from both above and below, and adjustable holding means to facilitate rotation, enabling flexible positioning without rearranging the cabinet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cassette is fixed in a single position, then the cabinet structure is simple and robust, but the installation flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidcabinet structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cassette is designed to be rotatable around its central axis, transforming from a static fixed-position structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. This allows the cassette to be positioned in different orientations (first side facing housing or second side facing housing) depending on installation requirements, thereby improving adaptability without significantly increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single cabinet design incorporates universal functionality by enabling the cassette to serve multiple installation configurations. Instead of requiring separate specialized cabinets for different installation scenarios, one cabinet with a rotatable cassette can accommodate both installation orientations, making the device multi-functional and adaptable to various duct arrangements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cassette is made rotatable, then the installation flexibility is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding means incorporates adjustable attachment means that can transition between a locked state (providing structural stability during operation) and an unlocked state (allowing rotation during installation). This dynamic characteristic resolves the contradiction by providing both rotational flexibility and operational stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment means are pre-configured to be adjustable, allowing the cassette to be securely fixed in the desired position before installation begins. This preliminary adjustment ensures that once positioned, the cassette remains stable and reliable during standard use, eliminating concerns about structural instability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If specialized cabinets are used for different installation situations, then the installation precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidcabinet variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cabinet is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple installation scenarios through the rotatable cassette mechanism. Instead of maintaining inventories of different specialized cabinet types, a single universal cabinet design suffices, reducing complexity while maintaining ease of operation for various installation configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating different cabinet designs for different installation needs, the invention inverts the approach by creating a single cabinet design with an adjustable component (rotatable cassette). This inversion simplifies the system architecture while achieving the same adaptability goals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3438717B1Cable cabinet
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 NEXANS SA
  • EP3438717B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3438717B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3438717B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1d

AI summary

A connector cabinet (100) comprising a housing (10), holding means (50) and at least one connector cassette (20) with a first side (22a) and a second side (22b) is provided. The holding means (50) is arranged to connect said at least one connector cassette (20) to the housing (10) of the connector cabinet (100), and arranged such that the cassette (20) may be positioned such that the first or second side (22a, 22b) faces the housing (10).