Telecom Distribution Frame Nesting for Compact Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pre-assembled telecommunications distribution frames (ODFs) face issues with bulky packaging and high shipping costs due to excessive empty space, as they are designed to be fully assembled before installation, which increases manufacturing and shipping expenses without optimizing storage and shipping efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The design relocates fixing holes to side channel structures that can be nested together for compact shipping and storage, allowing for efficient assembly into a pre-assembled frame format, reducing the overall volume and costs while maintaining installation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If frames are pre-assembled before shipping, then installation time is reduced, but packaging volume and shipping costs increase due to empty space
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into separate components (side support structures, cross struts, equipment trays) that can be shipped in a compact nested configuration and assembled at the installation site. This segmentation allows the components to be stored in minimal space during shipping while still enabling quick assembly to achieve the pre-assembled installation benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The side support structures are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with one structure placed inside the other. This nesting arrangement dramatically reduces the packaging volume required for shipping while maintaining the ability to quickly assemble the complete frame structure at the installation location
2Ease of operation
If fixing holes are located on upright members, then equipment mounting is simplified, but side channel structures cannot be nested for compact shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing holes are integrated directly into the side channel structures themselves rather than being separate features on upright members. This merging of functions allows the side channels to maintain their mounting capability while being designed to nest compactly during shipping, as the fixing holes are part of the nested structure design
Data Source
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AI summary
An equipment mounting frame comprising two side support structures of a selected height, each of which side support structures (a) comprises one or more upright members defining a width of that side support structure, and (b) comprises a foot structure extending from at least one end of the upright member(s), the foot structure defining a depth of that side support structure and extending across at least one quarter (preferably at least half, more preferably at least three quarters, especially preferably substantially all) of the said width, and (c) carries an upright series or row of fixing members, wherein the two side support structures are connectable together at a distance from each other to enable equipment trays or boxes to be mounted in superposed array between the side structures by means of the said fixing members, characterised in that the said side support structures each with the said foot structure(s) extending therefrom are formed to be nestable together when unconnected to each other for shipment or storage within a volume less than twice the volume defined by the said width and depth and height.