Slidable Splicing Tray for Fiber Optic Patch Panel Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Splicing fiber optic cables is labor-intensive and time-consuming, and the storage of large splice boxes becomes problematic in high-density server rooms or data centers.

Innovation Solution

A patch panel assembly with a slidable splicing tray integrated into it, which includes a splicing module for storing and managing spliced cables, reducing the need for standalone splicing structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If splice boxes are used for fiber optic cable connection and management, then cable connection capability is provided, but storage becomes problematic in high density server rooms or data centers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable connection capabilityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the splicing tray functionality directly into the patch panel assembly structure. The splicing tray is integrated as a slidable component within the patch panel, combining cable connection, splicing, and management functions into a single unified unit, thereby eliminating the need for separate standalone splice boxes and reducing overall storage space requirements in data centers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The splicing tray is designed with slidable movement capability, allowing it to transition between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic design enables the tray to be pulled out for cable splicing operations and pushed in for compact storage, providing adaptability between operational and storage states without requiring additional permanent space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If splicing fiber optic cables is performed manually, then cable connection is achieved, but the process is labor intensive and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable connection processVSAvoidsplicing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patch panel assembly is pre-configured with multiple fiber optic connectors, cables, and a splicing tray ready for immediate use. The tray includes pre-arranged cable routing features and splicing compartments that prepare the workspace in advance, allowing technicians to perform splicing operations more efficiently without time-consuming setup procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If additional time is needed for technicians to locate, splice and reconnect fiber optic cables, then proper coordination is achieved, but installation costs and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable coordinationVSAvoidinstallation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The splicing tray acts as an intermediary organization system within the patch panel, providing structured cable routing passages, designated splicing compartments, and cable management features. This intermediary structure guides technicians through the splicing process systematically, ensuring proper cable coordination while maintaining high installation efficiency by preventing time-consuming search and organization activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12282201B2Splicing tray utilized in fiber optic patch panel assembly for fiber optic cable connection management

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

A patch panel assembly that has a splicing tray integrated therein for fiber optic hardware connection is provided. In one example, the patch panel assembly include a ceiling, a bottom cover, and two opposing side panels defining an interior region therein. A splicing tray disposed in the interior region of the patch panel assembly. The splicing tray is slidable between a non-extended position and an extended position.