Optical Fiber Splice Tray Locking Mechanism for Fall Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Large splice trays in optical fiber management systems can become heavy and prone to sudden falls during installation or maintenance, posing a risk of damage or injury.

Innovation Solution

An optical fiber management system with a locking device that securely holds splice trays in both closed and open positions, using a pivotable locking stand and elastic tongue mechanism to maintain stability and facilitate easy access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If splice trays are made large to accommodate more optical fibers, then the capacity and functionality of the management system is improved, but the weight increases causing the trays to become unstable and prone to sudden falls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacity for optical fibersVSAvoidweight of splice trays
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a locking stand that can rotate between a support position and a locking position, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This allows the system to adapt its function based on the state of the splice trays, providing both support during access and secure locking during operation, thereby resolving the stability issue caused by increased weight and size

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If splice trays are made large and heavy, then more optical fibers can be managed, but the reliability and safety during installation and maintenance deteriorates due to risk of sudden falls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of optical fibers managedVSAvoidstability during installation and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent the harmful effect of gravity on heavy splice trays. By engaging the locking stand in the locking position, the system preemptively counteracts the potential sudden fall, ensuring reliability and safety during installation and maintenance operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If splice trays are made accessible for maintenance work, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability and security of the trays deteriorates, causing them to fall during access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for maintenanceVSAvoidstability of splice trays
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking stand is designed to rotate between support and locking positions, dynamically adapting to the operational needs. During maintenance, it supports the trays in an open position for easy access; during operation, it locks them firmly in place, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system effectively prevents splice trays from falling and ensures easy operation by securely keeping them in place, enhancing safety and ease of use during installation and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

a locking device (8) pivotally coupled to the supporting frame (2), wherein the locking device (8) is movable between a locking position and a support position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3809179B1Management system for optical fibers
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 PRYSMIAN SPA
  • EP3809179B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3809179B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3809179B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an optical fibers management system (1) comprising: - a supporting frame (2); - a plurality of splice trays (3) pivotably mounted on the supporting frame (2) and rotatable around respective parallel pivot axes (X) between a closed position and an open position; - a locking device (8) pivotably mounted on the supporting frame (2) and rotatable around a locking device rotation axis (Z) parallel to the pivot axes (X) of the plurality of splice trays (3) between a locking position and a support position, wherein in the locking position the locking device (8) keeps the plurality of trays (3) in the closed position, and in the support position the locking device (8) supports the plurality of splice trays (3) in the open position.