Stacked Telecommunication Cabinet for Space-Constrained Active Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passive street cabinets are not suited to house active equipment, requiring additional floor space and footprint for new active equipment deployments when upgrading to higher bandwidth VDSL technologies.

Innovation Solution

A telecommunication cabinet assembly design where a top enclosure with an external interface is placed on top of a bottom enclosure with an aperture, allowing active equipment to be integrated without additional space, and featuring separate access doors with different locks for secure handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a new active cabinet is deployed near the existing passive cabinet, then active equipment can be installed, but additional floor space and footprint are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to house active equipmentVSAvoidfloor space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a horizontal deployment approach (placing a new cabinet next to the passive cabinet on the same floor level) to a vertical deployment approach (stacking the active cabinet on top of the passive cabinet). This dimensional change allows the system to accommodate active equipment while utilizing the vertical space above the existing cabinet, thereby eliminating the need for additional floor space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The active cabinet is positioned and integrated onto the existing passive cabinet structure, with the interface board extending through an aperture in the passive cabinet's top wall. This nesting arrangement allows the active equipment to be housed within the vertical envelope of the passive cabinet, effectively reusing the existing cabinet's footprint while adding functional capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If existing passive cabinets are reused, then floor space is saved, but they are not suited to house active equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloor spaceVSAvoidsuitability for active equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into two distinct functional modules: the existing passive cabinet (housing MDF and passive equipment) and the new active cabinet (housing active access equipment). The passive cabinet maintains its original function while the active cabinet adds new functionality. The interface board acts as a connector between these segments, allowing them to work together as an integrated system without requiring modification to the original passive cabinet structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The existing passive cabinet structure serves multiple functions: it continues to house passive equipment (MDF, cross-connects) while also serving as a structural base and mounting platform for the new active cabinet. This multi-functionality allows the passive cabinet to contribute to both passive and active network functions, maximizing its utility without requiring additional floor space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If active equipment is added to existing passive cabinets, then additional floor space is saved, but secure access control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloor spaceVSAvoidaccess control

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Access control is segmented by creating separate physical access paths to the passive and active equipment. The passive cabinet retains its original access door for passive equipment, while the active cabinet has its own separate access door. This segmentation allows different security protocols and access authorization levels to be applied to each equipment type, with technicians able to access only the equipment they are authorized for, even when both cabinets are in close proximity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interface board serves as an intermediary element that physically connects the active and passive equipment while maintaining their operational independence. The interface board is accessible through the aperture in the passive cabinet's top wall, allowing connection points to be reached without opening either cabinet's main access door. This intermediary structure facilitates secure access control by separating the access paths while maintaining functional connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2337435B1Flexible telecommunication cabinet

Publication Date: 2012.10.24 ALCATEL LUCENT SA

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AI summary

A telecommunication cabinet assembly comprising a bottom enclosure (10) housing passive equipment and an top enclosure (30) housing active equipment. The top enclosure has a bottom side provided with an external interface (31) that is engaged in an aperture (11) provided at the top side of the bottom enclosure. The passive equipment can be interconnected with the active equipment through the external interface. Moreover, each cabinet has a door (12; 32) with a distinct lock (13; 33) allowing separate accesses to the passive and to the active equipment. The aperture can be closed by a removable waterproof top piece (40), allowing the bottom enclosure to be used alone.