Telecommunications Panel Assembly with Pivotable Adapter Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
In telecommunications cable termination panels, increasing density complicates connector access for technicians, making it difficult to connect, disconnect, clean, or reposition adapters due to the increased complexity and crowding.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications panel assembly with pivotally or rotatably mounted adapter modules about a horizontal axis, allowing for improved access and featuring cable management fingers to guide cables towards a radius limiter, and the option to lift modules for enhanced access to the back side of lower row adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If density of terminations is increased in cable termination panels, then more terminations can be located in a given area, but connector access becomes more difficult for technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making adapter modules movable rather than fixed. Specifically, adapter modules can be pivoted between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when in use), and can be selectively removed and reinstalled at different positions along the rail. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain high termination density while providing easy connector access when needed, as technicians can extend the required adapter module to the accessible position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the termination panel into multiple independent adapter modules that can be individually manipulated. Each adapter module is a separate unit that can be independently pivoted, removed, and repositioned along the rail, allowing technicians to access specific connectors without disturbing other terminations. This modular approach enables high density while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If adapter modules are made movable to improve access, then connector accessibility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple pivot mechanism that allows adapter modules to rotate between retracted and extended positions. This pivot mechanism provides the necessary movement for accessibility while maintaining structural simplicity. The module can be easily pivoted into position and locked, or removed and reinstalled at different locations, providing dynamic functionality without complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for mounting adapter modules, enables linear repositioning of modules along its length, and facilitates the pivot mechanism for extending modules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A telecommunications panel assembly (10) includes a chassis (14) defining a front (16), a top (20), a bottom (22), and two sides (24) and a plurality of adapter mounting modules (26) mounted to the chassis (14) at the front (16), each adapter mounting module (26) including a plurality of fiber optic adapters (36) mounted in a line. At least one of the adapter mounting modules (26) is mounted to the chassis (14) with a pair of supports (50) that are pivotable with respect to the at least one adapter module (26) such that the at least one adapter module (26) is removable from the chassis (14) and remountable at a position spaced linearly apart from another of the adapter mounting modules (26), wherein all of the adapter mounting modules (26) are also pivotally mounted about horizontal rotation axes (42) extending parallel to the top (20) and bottom (22) and transversely to the sides (24).