Tiltable Patch Panel Tray With Multiposition Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patch panel systems, particularly those used in fiber optic networks, face difficulties in accessibility for reconfiguration or replacement, as modules are hard to reach and require additional cable lengths for access, complicating maintenance and upgrades.
Innovation Solution
A patch panel cassette system with a tiltable tray and multiposition lock and release mechanism, allowing the tray to slide between stored, patch, and extended positions, and featuring a locking mechanism with actuators and springs for secure positioning and easy access, enabling easier maintenance and installation of fiber optic cassettes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If modules are arranged in a top of rack configuration, then space utilization is improved, but accessibility for reconfiguration or replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed to be tiltable and movable between multiple positions (retracted, intermediate, extended) rather than being fixed. This dynamic capability allows the tray to be tilted forward for easy access to fiber optic cassettes when needed, while maintaining a compact profile when retracted, thus resolving the contradiction between space utilization and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The tray movement is designed along multiple dimensions - it can slide in and out (horizontal movement) and tilt forward and backward (angular movement). This multi-dimensional movement capability provides easy accessibility from the front while maintaining compact vertical space utilization in the rack
2Ease of operation
If additional cable lengths are provided for access, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity and cable management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the accessibility function from the cable itself and transfers it to the tray mechanism. Instead of extending cables to reach modules, the tray is moved and tilted to bring the modules within reach, eliminating the need for additional cable lengths and simplifying cable management
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added for secure positioning, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the tray's position. When the tray reaches a desired position, the locking mechanism self-activates to secure it, and can be released by simple manual pressure. This self-service capability provides reliable positioning without requiring complex manual locking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the tray structure itself rather than being a separate external component. The release mechanism is combined with the tray body, allowing the locking and releasing functions to be performed as part of the natural tray operation, thus minimizing additional complexity while ensuring secure positioning
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
Facilitates easier access and maintenance of fiber optic cassettes by allowing the tray to be rotated and slid into various positions, improving accessibility and reducing the need for additional cable lengths, thus enhancing the usability and efficiency of patch panel systems.
Implementation Method 1
a spring and a cutout in an adjacent one of the elongate fixed part located along a length thereof, the spring biasing the locking tab into the cutout when the locking tab and the cutout are positioned opposite one another
Implementation Method 2
wherein the elongate actuator is interconnected with the locking assembly at a second end thereof via a cam and wherein moving the elongate actuator between the unactuated position and the actuated position moves the locking tab via the cam against a bias of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A patch panel system is disclosed comprising a plurality of trays wherein each tray is stored within a patch panel housing but moveable towards the front of the housing into one of a patch position or an extended position. The tray is lockable in either the patch position or the extended position. In the extended position a front tray section holding one or more fiber optic connectors or modules is tiltable versus a rear tray section. In particular embodiment the tray can also be moved from the stored position into a retracted position behind the housing. A release mechanism comprising a lock is also provided which can be actuated to release the lock thereby allowing the tray to be slid out of the patch position and the extended position.