Telecommunications Tray Locking Mechanism for Preventing Backsliding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trays used for telecommunications equipment, such as fiber optic cables, undesirably slide back into the shelf during manipulation, causing inefficiency and requiring repositioning, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A locking system for telecommunications trays that includes a member and a limiter with a deformable tab, allowing selective locking and unlocking to inhibit tray movement, ensuring the tray remains in the desired position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tray is designed to slide freely in the shelf for easy manipulation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the tray undesirably slides back into the shelf causing loss of time and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic controllable state. The tray can be locked in position when needed and unlocked for manipulation, allowing the system to adapt between stability and mobility based on operational requirements. The deformable tab and member assembly enable on-demand locking/unlocking rather than permanent fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is self-actuating through the deformable tab mechanism. When the tray is pulled or pushed, the deformable tab automatically engages or disengages from the mounting holes without requiring external intervention. The elastic material allows the tab to deform and return to its original position, automatically locking or unlocking the tray based on movement forces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent tray backsliding, then the stability of the tray position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into separate functional components: the deformable tab attached to the tray, the member extending from the tray, and the mounting holes in the shelf. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a cohesive locking system. The tab provides the locking action, the member provides the leverage, and the mounting holes provide the anchoring points.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable tab is made of elastic material that can bend and deform under applied forces. This flexibility allows the tab to engage with and disengage from the mounting holes smoothly without requiring complex mechanical linkages. The elastic deformation absorbs the forces during locking and unlocking operations, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining reliability.
3Strength
If the locking system uses rigid components for strong locking, then the strength of the locking is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased force required
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameter of the deformable tab is changed from rigid to elastic. This allows the tab to deform under relatively small forces during operation, making the locking and unlocking actions easy to perform. Once locked, the elastic material maintains strong holding force through its memory effect, providing both ease of operation and strong locking strength simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The locking system effectively prevents undesired tray movement, enhancing efficiency by maintaining the tray in the desired position, reducing the need for repositioning and minimizing interference with cables.
Implementation Method 1
The limiter includes a selectively deformable tab including a compliant, elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system and a tray assembly for a telecommunications tray are provided. The locking system is attachable to a wall at a housing of the tray assembly. The locking system is configured to selectively inhibit movement of a tray base from an extended position and a retracted position. The locking system includes a member and a limiter attachable to a mount. The member is positioned in sliding arrangement relative to the limiter. The limiter includes a selectively deformable tab. The member is translatable along a first direction to apply a force from the member to the tab to position the tab in a locked position to align the at least a portion of the tab with the mount along the direction of travel. The member is translatable along a second direction to allow the tab to position in an unlocked position removing the tab from alignment with the mount.