Stepped Fiber Optic Patch Panel Isolating Traffic and Monitor Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patch panels with monitoring ports do not effectively isolate communication traffic cables from monitoring ports, leading to cluttered physical spaces and limited port capacity, as both types of cables are placed in the same physical space, necessitating technician access for monitoring connections.
Innovation Solution
A patch panel design featuring a stepped front panel with recessed and extended portions, where traffic ports are positioned in the recessed area and monitor ports in the extended area, physically isolating communication traffic cables and allowing for increased port density within a standard-sized cabinet, with a cable management area to contain traffic cables and optional coupler cartridges for easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If monitoring ports are placed in the same physical space as communication traffic cables, then the cabinet size can be reduced, but the physical space becomes cluttered and port capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The front panel is segmented into two distinct levels: a first level for communication traffic cables and a second level for monitoring ports. This segmentation physically separates the two cable types into different spatial zones, preventing clutter while maintaining compact cabinet dimensions. The stepped configuration creates distinct operational zones that are easily distinguishable and accessible.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of separating cables horizontally across the same plane, the invention uses vertical dimensionality by creating a stepped front panel with different height levels. The first level sits at one vertical position while the second level extends to a different vertical position, effectively using the third dimension (height) to organize cable types without increasing overall cabinet footprint.
2Device complexity
If both communication traffic cables and monitoring cables are placed in the same physical space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the port density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stepped front panel utilizes vertical spacing to accommodate additional ports. By stacking monitoring ports at a different vertical level than communication ports, the design effectively doubles the usable front panel real estate, allowing significantly higher port density without increasing horizontal dimensions or overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring ports are nested within the same cabinet structure as the communication ports, but at a different vertical level. This nesting approach allows both port types to coexist within the same device envelope, maximizing port capacity without requiring additional external equipment or substantially increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If monitoring ports are accessible only when the cabinet door is open, then security is improved, but technician access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stepped front panel configuration acts as an intermediary that allows selective access to monitoring ports. The extended second level positions monitoring ports in a location that can be accessed through the front door opening without requiring full cabinet access, serving as a middle ground between secure enclosed storage and immediate accessible operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A patch panel includes a rackmount cabinet, front and rear doors, a stepped front panel, and provision for inserting and securing a plurality of coupler cartridges. The stepped front panel has a recessed first portion and a second portion, where the second portion extends farther in a forward direction, e.g., towards the front door, than the recessed first portion. Traffic ports are positioned at the recessed first portion of the stepped front panel and monitor ports are positioned at the second portion of the front panel so that communication traffic cables inserted in the traffic ports are isolated from the monitoring ports. The communication traffic cables may be held in a cable management area that is at least partially defined by the recessed portion of the stepped front panel.