Staggered Cable Guides for Optical Fiber Distribution Racks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical fiber distribution systems face challenges in density, ease of use, and cable management, requiring improvements to efficiently route and manage cables within a limited footprint.
Innovation Solution
A cable management structure with offset cable support guides and a side channel frame that allows for staggered cable routing, increasing the number of cables that can be routed within the same footprint by utilizing the available depth of the rack effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional aligned cable support guides are used, then the structure is simple, but cable management efficiency and space utilization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by offsetting alternating cable support guides horizontally relative to each other, creating a staggered configuration. This asymmetric arrangement allows cables from vertically stacked elements to be routed in alternating offset positions, improving cable management efficiency and space utilization without requiring complex additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane aligned guide configuration to a multi-plane staggered configuration by introducing horizontal offset between alternating guides. This dimensional change in the guide arrangement enables more effective utilization of the rack's depth and improves cable routing efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If more cables are routed through aligned guides, then cable density increases, but cable management and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing alternating offset positions for cable support guides, the patent creates asymmetric cable pathways that distribute cables more effectively through the rack depth. This staggered arrangement increases cable density while maintaining accessibility, as cables from different vertical levels are routed through alternating offset positions rather than competing in the same plane.
3Area of stationary object
If the rack footprint is reduced, then space efficiency improves, but cable routing capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the rack's depth dimension by implementing horizontal offsets in the cable support guides. This staggered configuration allows cables to be routed more effectively through the available depth, increasing cable routing capacity without increasing the rack's footprint area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cable routing paths by dividing them into alternating offset positions. This segmentation allows multiple cable pathways to coexist within the same footprint by utilizing different horizontal positions at different vertical levels, thereby increasing overall routing capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable management structure (100, 200, 300) for an optical fiber distribution rack (10) is disclosed. In one aspect, the cable management structure (100) supports cables extending from an optical fiber distribution element (50) supported by the rack (10). In one embodiment, a plurality of first cable support guides (102a) are vertically aligned along a first plane (190) while a plurality of second cable support guides (102b) are vertically aligned along a second plane (192). As presented, the first cable support guides (102a) are offset from the second cable support guides (102b) such that the first plane (190) is horizontally recessed from the second plane (192). In one embodiment a side channel frame (130) is provided to support the cable support guides (102). In another embodiment, the optical fiber distribution element (50) is provided with linearly spaced mounting arrangements (60) configured for engagement with cable support guides (202, 302).