Active Cable Display for Flexible Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable labeling schemes are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inflexible, and existing solutions like LEDs do not provide sufficient identifying information, making it difficult to manage complex cable configurations in network hubs.
Innovation Solution
A cable with active display assemblies that include a power converter, programmable display, and controller, which can display alphanumeric information to identify cable and device connections, powered by the cable's conductors and equipped with a power back-up circuit to maintain display after disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual labeling schemes are used for cables, then cable identification is achieved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable display assembly automatically displays identification information without requiring manual labeling operations. The system self-services by receiving power through the cable connection and autonomously displaying cable identifiers, device names, and port information, eliminating the need for manual label attachment while providing continuous visual identification.
2Ease of operation
If printed labels are attached to cables, then cable identification is provided, but flexibility for modification is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cable display assembly provides dynamic, reconfigurable identification information through its programmable display capabilities. Unlike static printed labels, the display can be remotely programmed to show different cable identifiers, device names, and port information, allowing flexible modification of identification content without physical label replacement.
3Reliability
If LEDs are used in cable ends, then link status indication is provided, but identifying information capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cable display assembly combines multiple functions into a single device: it provides link status indication through visual display, displays cable identification information, shows device names, indicates port information, and can function as a beacon. This multi-functional approach replaces the limited LED indication while preserving it and adding comprehensive identification capabilities.
4Loss of information
If active display assemblies are added to cables, then identification information capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable display assembly merges the power delivery function and identification display function into a single integrated component. The assembly receives power through the cable's existing conductors and combines the power converter, display elements, and control circuitry into one compact unit attached to the cable, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate power and identification systems.
5Reliability
If power back-up circuit is added to maintain display after disconnection, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power back-up circuit operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when the main power connection is lost to maintain the display temporarily. This periodic operation provides reliability during disconnection events while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation when the cable is connected and receiving power.
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
Enables automatic and flexible labeling of cables, reducing manual labor and allowing easy modification, with the ability to display identifiers and act as beacons, improving cable management in network environments.
Implementation Method 1
a power converter connected to the conductors to convert the power voltage to a supply voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprises a cable including conductors to carry data signals and a power voltage from a device when the cable is connected to the device, and at least one active display assembly fixed along a length of the cable. The active display assembly includes a power converter connected to the conductors to convert the power voltage to a supply voltage, and a programmable display and a controller powered by the power converter. The programmable display is configured to display programmed indicia responsive to the supply voltage, and the controller is configured to program the display.