Telecommunications Tray Hinge Indexing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications equipment with stacked and hinged trays requires separate 'kickstand' members to hold multiple trays in an upward position, which is inefficient and not designed to handle the weight effectively.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications tray assembly with rotatable connection arrangements and indexing features that provide a holding force when trays are moved into open or closed positions, allowing for efficient stacking and access without the need for separate kickstand members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate kickstand members are used to hold multiple trays in an upward position, then the trays can be held open for access, but the device complexity increases and weight handling becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the kickstand function with the connection arrangement between stacked trays. The connection arrangement includes a first portion on one tray and a second portion on another tray, where the second portion acts as both the connection mechanism and the kickstand support. This integration eliminates separate kickstand members while maintaining the ability to hold multiple trays in an upward open position for access.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate kickstand members are used to hold multiple trays, then trays can be positioned, but the weight handling capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arrangement combines multiple functions into a unified structure. The first portion and second portion work together to provide both positioning stability and weight-bearing capacity. The second portion, extending from the first tray and supporting the second tray, is designed to handle the combined weight of multiple trays while maintaining proper positioning in the upward open state.
3Reliability
If indexing features are added to connection arrangements, then holding force is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing feature is segmented into discrete positional indicators within the connection arrangement. The first portion and second portion include specific geometric features that engage at predetermined positions, providing reliable holding force at open and closed states. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing while ensuring consistent functional performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A towerless telecommunications tray assembly includes a first telecommunications tray defining a first connection arrangement and second telecommunications tray defining a second connection arrangement, the first and second connection arrangements rotatably connecting the first tray to the second tray. In one aspect, the first and second connection arrangements define an indexing feature that provides a holding force when the first tray is moved into an open position and when the first tray is moved into a closed position. In some examples, the first and second trays are identical.