Telecom Mounting Stud and Slot Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical fiber distribution systems face challenges in density, ease of use, and cable management, particularly in mounting and stacking telecommunications equipment, which limits their efficiency and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system that includes a chassis with a moveable tray and slide mechanism for fiber terminations, patching, and splicing, along with locking features to securely stack elements vertically, utilizing studs and slots with a removable snap-fit structure to prevent sliding and separation, allowing for easy access and cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If telecommunications elements are stacked vertically to increase density, then the quantity of equipment per rack space increases, but the complexity of mounting and securing the elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system divides the stacking function into separate modular components: a stud protruding from one element and a corresponding slot in the adjacent element. This segmentation allows each element to be independently mounted while contributing to the overall vertical stack, increasing density without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stud and slot features are integrated directly into the housing of each telecommunications element, with the stud nesting into the slot during assembly. This nesting approach eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware or complex fastening mechanisms, thereby increasing equipment density while keeping the mounting system simple.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used to prevent relative sliding and separation between stacked elements, then the reliability of the stacking connection improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stud and slot configuration creates a self-aligning, self-securing connection. When elements are stacked, the stud automatically inserts into the slot and the flange portion of the stud engages with the retention portion of the slot to prevent sliding and separation. This self-service mechanism provides reliable connections without requiring external locking devices or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The stud acts as an intermediary connecting element between two stacked telecommunications elements. Its stem portion inserts through the slot of the adjacent element, while its flange portion engages with the retention portion to provide secure mechanical connection. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall locking mechanism while ensuring reliable connections between elements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple locking features are implemented to prevent sliding and separation, then the stability of the stacked configuration improves, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting features (stud with flange and stem portions, slot with receiver and retention portions) are integrated directly into the housing of each telecommunications element during the same manufacturing process. This merging of mounting features with the main element structure eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps for attaching mounting hardware, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving stable stacking configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The stud and slot features serve multiple functions simultaneously: the stud provides both the inserting stem and the retaining flange, while the slot provides both the receiving pathway and the retention engagement surface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing while ensuring stable stacking configurations through multiple interlocking features.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting system (700/900) for locking two pieces of telecommunications equipment (610/810) to prevent relative sliding therebetween and relative separation therebetween in a direction generally perpendicular to the direction of the relative sliding includes a first locking feature (701/901) defined by a stud (702/902) with a stem portion (708/908) and a flange portion (710/910) having a larger profile than the stem portion (708/908) and a second locking feature (703/903) defined by a slot (704/904) with a receiver portion (712/912) and a retention portion (714/914). The receiver portion (712/912) is sized to accommodate the flange portion (710/910) of the stud (702/902) and the retention portion (714/914) is sized to accommodate the stem portion (708/908) but not the flange portion (710/910) of the stud (702/902). A third locking feature (705/905) prevents relative sliding between the two pieces of telecommunications equipment (610/810) once the stud stem portion (708/908) has been slid within the slot retention portion (714/914) and the stud flange portion (710/910) is out of alignment with the slot receiver portion (712/912).