Sliding Cable Tray Routing for Dense Fiber Connector Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of smaller optical fiber connectors, such as the LC connector, in communication systems poses challenges for technicians with larger or less dexterous hands due to their compact size, making it difficult to access and manage the increased number of connectors within the same space.
Innovation Solution
A communication patching system with a cable management system that includes a cable guide with shelves and fins to manage cable slack and provide easy access to ports, allowing for adjustable spacing and secure cable routing, facilitating better handling of smaller connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If smaller optical fiber connectors (LC connectors) are used to increase connector density, then the number of connectors per unit space increases, but it becomes difficult for technicians with larger or less dexterous hands to access and manage the connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patch panel is divided into multiple trays that can be independently pulled out from the housing. Each tray contains a subset of connectors, allowing technicians to access only the specific tray needed rather than reaching into a densely packed single-space configuration. This segmentation maintains high connector density while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging all connectors in a single dense plane, the connectors are distributed across multiple trays stacked in the vertical dimension. The trays can be pulled out horizontally, creating additional access space. This multi-dimensional arrangement increases connector capacity while providing ergonomic access for technicians.
2Quantity of substance
If more connectors are placed within the same amount of space, then connector density increases, but cable management and routing become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Cables are segmented by tray, with each tray containing a subset of cables that can be managed independently. When a tray is pulled out, only the cables associated with that tray are exposed, making cable routing and management simpler despite high overall connector density in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The trays act as intermediaries between the connectors and the cables. They provide structured pathways and organizational frameworks that simplify cable routing, reducing the complexity of managing numerous cables in a compact space.
3Quantity of substance
If smaller connectors are used to increase port density, then more ports fit in the same volume, but the risk of cable interference and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trays provide protective cushioning for cables before they reach the connectors. When trays are pulled out, cables are guided through structured pathways that prevent sharp bends, crushing, or interference with other cables, reducing damage risk despite the compact connector arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Cable routing is extended into the vertical dimension through stacked trays, creating separation between cable groups that would otherwise be crowded in a single plane. This multi-dimensional cable management reduces interference and damage risk while maintaining high port density.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a communication system (100). The communication system comprises a housing (2) and a tray (331) having a plurality of ports (7) each having a front face connectable to a cable (C). The tray is movably engaged with the housing so that the tray may slide along a proximal-to-distal axis with respect to the housing, the tray being slideable a maximum slidable distance between a stored position in which the tray is fully or substantially within the housing and a pulled-out position. The communication system further comprises a cable guide (400) for supporting at least one of the plurality of cables, the cable guide having a fixed position with respect to the housing. In the stored position, the front faces of the ports are positioned distal to the fixed position of the cable guide a first distance from the cable guide in the direction of the proximal-to-distal axis. In the pulled-out position, the front faces of the ports are positioned proximal to the fixed position of the cable guide a second distance from the cable guide in the direction of the proximal-to-distal axis. The second distance is less than the first distance.