Rotatable Patch Cable Holder Tray Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telecommunications panels face challenges in efficiently managing cables due to limited space and the need for complex routing around structural elements, which can lead to increased depth requirements and reduced cable routing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-positionable tray assembly with a pivot joint allows the tray to rotate between folded and access positions, featuring a cable routing pathway through the pivot axis and angled patch panel adapters to minimize depth and enhance cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional structural elements extend along the pivot axis to support the tray, then structural strength is improved, but cable routing complexity increases and depth requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the structural element that previously extended along the pivot axis, extracting the harmful interference with cable routing. The tray is supported by the support arm pivoting at a joint, eliminating the need for a central structural element that blocked cable paths. This allows cables to route directly through the pivot axis area without complex maneuvers around structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the pivot axis to a lateral location rather than extending it through the center of the tray. This dimensional reconfiguration moves the structural support function to a different spatial arrangement, allowing cables to pass through the previously occupied central space without conflict, thereby reducing routing complexity while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If adapters are positioned with longitudinal connection axes parallel to the transverse axis, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but cable bundle accommodation space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the longitudinal connection axes of the adapters at oblique angles relative to the transverse axis of the patch panel. This asymmetric arrangement creates additional spatial volume within the tray, allowing accumulated bundles of patch cables to occupy the newly created angular spaces. The oblique positioning transforms the geometric distribution of cable routing paths, increasing the effective accommodation area without compromising manufacturing feasibility.
3Ease of operation
If the tray is rotated out of the telecommunications panel, then access to rear portions is improved, but cable management efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a rotatable tray assembly with a support arm that can pivot between a folded position (within the panel) and an extended position (rotated out). This dynamic configuration allows the tray to adapt its position based on operational needs: rotated out for accessing rear portions, and folded in for efficient cable management. The hinge mechanism enables smooth transitions between states, maintaining both accessibility and cable management efficiency at different operational phases.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides improved cable routing efficiency, reduced depth requirements, and enhanced access to connectors, thereby optimizing space utilization and simplifying cable management within telecommunications panels.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge portion rotatably connecting the base portion to the cable support portion such that the cable support portion can rotate generally about an axis with respect to the base portion
Implementation Method 2
In one example, the hinge portion is formed as a living hinge
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A multi-positionable tray assembly (20) for mounting within a chassis (10) of a telecommunications panel (100) is disclosed. The multi-positionable tray assembly (20) may include a support arm (24) that pivotally supports a tray (22) and that allows the tray assembly (20) to be installed and removed from the chassis (10). The tray (22) and the support arm (24) cooperatively define a cable routing pathway (208) extending through a pivot axis (A1) defined by the tray and the support arm. To minimize the required tray (22) depth and optimize cable routing, the tray (20) can include a cable management structure (102) with a patch panel (104) having a plurality of adapters (108) arranged along a transverse axis (A2) that is non-parallel or oblique to a front plane (A4) of the tray. To improve connector access, rotatable patch cable holders (400) can be provided on the patch panel (104).