Low-cost power distribution structure with hunting function and application method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a low-cost power distribution structure with hunting and an application method thereof, and relates to the technical field of power distribution structures. The structure comprises an electronic distribution frame which is used for detecting the state of a port in real time and communicating with main control software; the main control software is used for sending a switching instruction according to a detection signal of the electronic distribution frame; the change-over switch is arranged on the electronic distribution frame and is used for carrying out mode switching between a pin PIN9 and a pin PIN10 of each port according to the switching instruction; and the jumper wire takes electricity through a contact point of the jumper wire and the electronic distribution frame and transmits a hunting signal back to the electronic distribution frame. The problems that in the prior art, intelligent electronic distribution frame schemes are not compatible with one another, nine-core and ten-core jumpers are difficult to be compatible at the same time on the premise that hardware is not replaced, a single-configuration mode and a double-configuration mode are not considered, end-to-end link detection and an equipment end hunting function cannot be unified, cost is high, and popularization is limited are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical distribution structure technology, and in particular to a low-cost electrical distribution structure with wire-tracking capability and its application method. Background Technology

[0002] Intelligent electronic patch panel cabling systems are systems that combine traditional cabling systems with intelligent management. Through these systems, the network connection architecture and its changes are automatically transmitted to the system management software. The management system processes the received real-time information, and users can check the latest cabling layout at any time by querying the management system. By managing all elements electronically, intuitive, real-time, and efficient paperless management is achieved. As the intelligent management core of the structured cabling system, the intelligent patch panel completely changes the traditional cabling maintenance model that relies on paper labels and manual records through real-time link monitoring and automatic topology updates. Its core value lies in solving the link management problem in high-frequency change scenarios in data centers—when offices are relocated or information points are switched, traditional patch panels require a lot of manpower to trace the lines, while the electronic patch panel can automatically generate link relationship diagrams, achieving a "one-click search" function. In terms of technical architecture, based on the differences in the number of patch panels and the principle of patch cord detection, the market has formed two major technical routes: dual patch panel solution and single patch panel solution. The two have significant differences in reliability, cost, and compatibility, which has become a key watershed affecting the promotion of smart cabling.

[0003] The terms "single patch panel" and "double patch panel" refer to the different wiring structures used to categorize electrical distribution systems. A single patch panel simply connects a single electronic patch panel to the system, with the other end of the patch cord connected to a regular patch panel or a port on a device (such as a switch). A double patch panel, on the other hand, uses an additional redundant electronic patch panel. The corresponding ports of the two patch panels are connected using special patch cords. This establishes a connection logic between each port on each patch panel, accurately reflecting the patch cord connection status and preventing common errors in port-type electrical distribution systems. The principle is based on the fact that the two ends of the patch cord are inserted into two different patch panels. An additional one (nine-core patch cord) or two (ten-core patch cord) copper wires are added to the regular patch cord to transmit scanning signals. When a patch cord is inserted or removed, the patch panel ports at both ends of the patch cord form a signal loop, which is transmitted to the controller (or scanner). The controller then communicates with the backend database to record the real-time status, allowing it to determine which patch panel and port the patch cord is inserted into.

[0004] In summary, the single patch panel mode can only detect the ports of the smart patch panel, not the correspondence between the two ends of the patch cord; while the dual patch panel mode can automatically detect the port correspondence, achieving complete end-to-end link detection. Both of these cabling structures have numerous applications in practical engineering. The difference lies in that the single patch panel mode is less expensive, while the dual patch panel mode is superior in functionality, security, and real-time performance.

[0005] Currently, there are many intelligent electronic patch panel solutions available in the domestic and international markets, but almost each company operates independently, customizing a product based on its own hardware, software, patch panel, and scanner to suit only its own products. For example, a patch panel that supports nine-core patch cords will not support ten-core patch cords; a patch panel that supports single-core patch mode generally does not support dual-core patch mode; and a patch panel that supports dual-core patch port detection will not support single-core patch cable tracing. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a low-cost electrical distribution structure with wire-finding capability and its application method. This invention solves the problems in the prior art where intelligent electronic patch panel solutions are incompatible with each other, making it difficult to simultaneously support nine-core and ten-core patch cords and single-patch and dual-patch modes without changing the hardware. This results in the inability to unify end-to-end link detection and device-side wire-finding functions, high costs, and limited promotion.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following solution: A low-cost electrical distribution structure with wire-finding capability includes: Electronic patch panel, used to detect port status in real time and communicate with main control software; The main control software is used to issue switching commands based on the detection signals of the electronic patch panel; A switching switch, disposed on the electronic patch panel, is used to switch modes between PIN9 and PIN10 pins of each port according to the switching command. The switching switch is configured to switch SP1 and SP2 synchronously so that when PIN9 is switched to DO output, PIN10 is always connected to GND, or when PIN9 is switched to DI input, PIN10 is connected to a high level. The jumper wire draws power through a contact point with the electronic patch panel and transmits a line-finding signal back to the electronic patch panel.

[0008] Preferably, the jumper is either a nine-core jumper or a ten-core jumper.

[0009] Preferably, the electrical distribution structure is compatible with both nine-core and ten-core patch cords without replacing the electronic patch panel hardware, supports both single-patch and double-patch working modes, and supports a line-finding function when using ten-core patch cords.

[0010] Preferably, at least one end of the ten-core jumper is provided with an LED and a limit switch in the crystal head, and the LED is used to provide a visual indication when tracing the jumper.

[0011] A low-cost electrical distribution method with line-finding capability, the method comprising: The main control software establishes communication with the electronic patch panel and identifies the selected port and target mode. According to the target mode, a switching command is issued to the switching switch to synchronize SP1 and SP2 to the corresponding state; Detection under each mode is achieved using jumpers according to the target mode; Each test result is recorded and stored accordingly.

[0012] Preferably, the target pattern includes: Single-matching mode, dual-matching mode, and line-finding mode.

[0013] Preferably, the line-finding mode includes: Single-line-finding mode and dual-line-finding mode.

[0014] The present invention discloses the following technical effects: This invention provides a low-cost electrical distribution structure with wire-finding capability and its application method. The structure includes: an electronic patch panel for real-time detection of port status and communication with main control software; the main control software issues switching commands based on the detection signals from the electronic patch panel; a switching switch, disposed on the electronic patch panel, for switching modes between pins PIN9 and PIN10 of each port according to the switching commands; wherein the switching switch is configured to synchronously switch SP1 and SP2, so that when PIN9 is switched to DO output, PIN10 is always connected to GND, or when PIN9 is switched to DI input, PIN10 is connected to a high level; and jumpers, which draw power through contact points with the electronic patch panel and transmit wire-finding signals back to the electronic patch panel. In this invention, the same electronic patch panel can be used with either nine-core jumpers or ten-core jumpers in dual-distribution mode. In this invention, customers can use ordinary patch cords to complete single-patch connections on the same electronic patch panel, or they can use ten-core patch cords to complete single-patch connections. If a nine-core patch cord is used, or the software is switched to use a ten-core patch cord for dual-patch connections, this invention addresses the common need to quickly locate the other port of a patch cord amidst a jumble of wires in single-patch mode. Therefore, a simple LED circuit and limit switch are placed in the RJ45 connector at the other end of the patch cord. When the software specifies the line to be tracked, the LED at the other end of that patch cord will light up, allowing engineers to quickly and intuitively locate the patch cord port. This invention also addresses the current trend in the international market where the latest ten-core patch cords with tracking functionality use dual LEDs and a single-pole double-throw switch to illuminate the other port being tracked. The red and green colors of the port indicate whether it is already plugged into a device. This invention innovates by using a simpler and more energy-efficient single LED for tracking, with a limit switch to determine whether the device is plugged in. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a low-cost electrical distribution structure with wire-tracking capability provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a nine-core single-pair mode provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a nine-core dual-matching scan provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a ten-core dual-matching scan provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a ten-core single-line matching cable provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a ten-core dual-line routing system provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the error status of dual-line matching provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a low-cost electrical distribution structure with wire-finding capability, comprising: Electronic patch panel, used to detect port status in real time and communicate with main control software; The main control software is used to issue switching commands based on the detection signals of the electronic patch panel; A switching switch, disposed on the electronic patch panel, is used to switch modes between PIN9 and PIN10 pins of each port according to the switching command. The switching switch is configured to switch SP1 and SP2 synchronously so that when PIN9 is switched to DO output, PIN10 is always connected to GND, or when PIN9 is switched to DI input, PIN10 is connected to a high level. The jumper wire draws power through a contact point with the electronic patch panel and transmits a line-finding signal back to the electronic patch panel.

[0020] Furthermore, the jumper is either a nine-core jumper or a ten-core jumper.

[0021] Furthermore, the electrical distribution structure is compatible with both nine-core and ten-core patch cords without replacing the electronic patch panel hardware, supports both single-patch and double-patch working modes, and supports a line-finding function when using ten-core patch cords.

[0022] Furthermore, at least one end of the ten-core jumper is equipped with an LED and a limit switch in its crystal head, with the LED providing a visual indication during cable tracing.

[0023] Specifically, the main control software is usually installed on a host computer, responsible for facilitating the interactive dialogue between the user and the system. The electronic patch panel is the primary intelligent detection device, continuously monitoring the status of its network ports. A switch, located on the electronic patch panel, is specifically responsible for switching the circuitry connecting each port to the nine- or ten-core jumper. This switching decision can be controlled by the main control system software on the host computer or manually by the user. However, it should be noted that this switch, for circuit simplification, is configured to switch SP1 and SP2 simultaneously; that is, when PIN9 is connected to DO via the switch, PIN10 is always connected to GND. The nine- or ten-core jumper is powered by the contact points connected to the electronic patch panel and feeds back the detected signals to the electronic patch panel, thus completing a full link detection operation.

[0024] This embodiment also provides a low-cost electrical distribution method with wire-finding capability, the method comprising: The main control software establishes communication with the electronic patch panel and identifies the selected port and target mode. According to the target mode, a switching command is issued to the switching switch to synchronize SP1 and SP2 to the corresponding state; Detection under each mode is achieved using jumpers according to the target mode; Each test result is recorded and stored accordingly.

[0025] Furthermore, the target pattern includes: Single-matching mode, dual-matching mode, and line-finding mode.

[0026] Furthermore, the line-finding mode includes: Single-line-finding mode and dual-line-finding mode.

[0027] Specifically, during single-wire patching scanning: the electronic patch panel method of this invention supports single-wire patching modes for nine- and ten-core patch cords, as well as single-wire patching modes for ordinary patch cords. This is because this mode is achieved through infrared port sensing technology; any patch cord inserted into the port will be detected, but it is difficult to distinguish what type of patch cord it is. For example... Figure 2 In the nine-core single-patch mode, when the electronic patch panel is in single-patch mode, only one end of the nine-core patch cord can be connected to the contact port of the electronic patch panel, while the other end is left floating, unable to form a loop, so there is no feedback signal. At this time, through the main control software 1, SP1 and SP2 in the switch 3 are simultaneously set to PIN9 connected to DO output and PIN10 connected to GND. The electronic patch panel 2 is set to single-patch mode, and the infrared port sensor detects the insertion of patch cord 4 in the port, that is, the electronic patch panel 2 reports this information to the main control software 1, thus completing a complete single-patch scan detection. The same situation occurs when using a ten-core patch cord.

[0028] During dual-patch scanning: This invention uses the same electronic patch panel 2, paired with nine- or ten-core patch cords, to complete the full-link detection function in dual-patch mode. Below are two specific dual-patch scanning methods for patch cords: 1) Dual-scanning mode for nine-core jumpers: refer to Figure 3 When the electronic patch panel enters the nine-core dual-patch scanning state, the user controls the switch 3 via the main control software 1 to simultaneously set SP1 and SP2 of the first electronic patch panel to PIN9 connected to DO output and PIN10 connected to GND; while all other electronic patch panels have SP1 and SP2 set to receive state, i.e., PIN9 connected to DI input and PIN10 connected to a 3.3V high level. At this time, the chip IC 1# on the first electronic patch panel outputs a high level through DO. This high level is conducted directly to PIN9 of the electronic patch panel connected to the other end of the nine-core jumper through the ninth pin, and then input to the chip IC 2# on the terminal electronic patch panel through PIN9. The terminal electronic patch panel immediately feeds this information back to the main control software 1, allowing the user to quickly determine the complete link of the dual-patch line through the main control software.

[0029] 2) Dual-scanning mode for 10-core jumpers: refer to Figure 4 When the electronic patch panel enters the 10-core dual-patch scanning state, the user controls the switch 3 via the main control software 1 to set SP1 and SP2 of all electronic patch panels 2 to receive mode, i.e., PIN9 is connected to the DI input and PIN10 is connected to a 3.3V high level. At this time, since both ports of the 10-core jumper are plugged into devices, the limit switch T1 in the crystal head at one end of the jumper becomes conductive. The 3.3V high level connected to PIN10 can be transmitted through the 10-core jumper to PIN9 on electronic patch panels 1 and 2, and then transmitted to the DI input ports of IC1# and IC2# via PIN9. Upon receiving the feedback signal, the two electronic patch panels 2 immediately report this information to the main control software 1, allowing the user to quickly determine the complete link of the dual-patch line through the main control software.

[0030] When searching for a 10-core jumper: The 10-core jumper in this invention also has a function to facilitate the user to search for a line. Through the LED built into the crystal head at one end of the jumper, the line searching function can be completed in both single-pair and double-pair modes of the system.

[0031] 1) Wire finding in single-pair mode for 10-core jumpers: refer to Figure 5Users can use the main control software 1 or manually control the switch 3 to notify the electronic patch panel 2 to enter single-patch locating mode. All SP1 and SP2 pins of the electronic patch panel 2 are set to output state, i.e., PIN9 is connected to DO output and PIN10 is connected to GND. At this time, when the chip IC 1# of the electronic patch panel emits a high level, it enters the ten-core jumper through the DO port of PIN9. The GND connected to PIN10 and the high level on PIN9 form a loop. When the current passes through the crystal head of the ten-core jumper, it lights up the LED. In this way, users can quickly find the other end of the jumper among the many ports using the LED light.

[0032] 2) 10-core jumper cable locating in dual-pair mode: refer to Figure 6 Users can use the main control software 1 or manually control the switch 3 to notify the electronic patch panel 2 to enter the dual-line locating mode. All SP1 and SP2 pins of the electronic patch panel 2 are set to output state, i.e., PIN9 is connected to DO output and PIN10 is connected to GND. At this time, when the chip IC 1# of the electronic patch panel emits a high level, it enters the ten-core jumper through the DO port of PIN9. The GND connected to PIN10 forms a loop with the high level on PIN9. When the current passes through the crystal head of the ten-core jumper, it lights up the LED. In this way, users can quickly find the other end of the jumper among the many ports using the LED light.

[0033] However, it is crucial to ensure that none of the electronic patch panel 2 switches 3 are set to input mode during this process. (Refer to...) Figure 7 When the electronic patch panel is in dual-patterning mode, if the switch of one patch panel is set to DI input mode and PIN10 is also set to 3.3V high level, it will cause PIN10 to short circuit. Therefore, this mode is an error and should be avoided.

[0034] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0035] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of the present invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A low-cost electrical distribution structure with wire-tracking capability, characterized in that, include: Electronic patch panel, used to detect port status in real time and communicate with main control software; The main control software is used to issue switching commands based on the detection signals of the electronic patch panel; A switching switch, disposed on the electronic patch panel, is used to switch modes between PIN9 and PIN10 pins of each port according to the switching command. The switching switch is configured to switch SP1 and SP2 synchronously so that when PIN9 is switched to DO output, PIN10 is always connected to GND, or when PIN9 is switched to DI input, PIN10 is connected to a high level. The jumper wire draws power through a contact point with the electronic patch panel and transmits a line-finding signal back to the electronic patch panel.

2. The low-cost electrical distribution structure with line-finding capability according to claim 1, characterized in that, The jumper is either a nine-core jumper or a ten-core jumper.

3. The low-cost electrical distribution structure with line-finding capability according to claim 2, characterized in that, in, The electrical distribution structure is compatible with both nine-core and ten-core patch cords without replacing the electronic patch panel hardware. It supports both single-patch and double-patch working modes and supports line-finding function when using ten-core patch cords.

4. The low-cost electrical distribution structure with line-finding capability according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least one end of the ten-core jumper is equipped with an LED and a limit switch in its crystal head. The LED is used to provide a visual indication when tracing the jumper.

5. A low-cost electrical distribution method with wire-finding capability, applied to the structure described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The method includes: The main control software establishes communication with the electronic patch panel and identifies the selected port and target mode. According to the target mode, a switching command is issued to the switching switch to synchronize SP1 and SP2 to the corresponding state; Detection under each mode is achieved using jumpers according to the target mode; Each test result is recorded and stored accordingly.

6. A low-cost electrical distribution method with line-finding capability according to claim 5, characterized in that, The target patterns include: Single-matching mode, dual-matching mode, and line-finding mode.

7. A low-cost electrical distribution method with line-finding capability according to claim 6, characterized in that, The line-finding modes include: Single-line-finding mode and dual-line-finding mode.

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