Assembly Tool for Releasing Plug Latch Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for releasing plugs latchingly connected to jacks, particularly in telecommunication patch panels, are cumbersome due to the small distances between jacks, making it difficult to operate the latch levers and disconnect cables, especially during rewiring.
Innovation Solution
An assembly tool with a head part and tool shaft that encloses a receiving space for the plug, allowing a cable to be inserted to guide the latch lever into an unlocking position, eliminating the need for manual finger operation and accommodating various plug types through adjustable components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of latch levers is used to release plugs, then the latch element can be released, but the operation becomes very difficult and elaborate due to small distances between jacks on patch panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool (release tool with actuating element) that mediates between the operator and the latch lever. The tool's actuating element is designed to engage with the latch lever through the wall strips, allowing release operation without direct manual manipulation of the latch lever itself, thus solving the difficulty of operating in confined spaces between jacks
Solution Approach 2:
The release tool accesses the latch lever through a different spatial dimension by passing through the wall strips rather than requiring direct lateral access to the latch lever. This dimensional approach allows the tool to reach the latch mechanism through the cable opening, bypassing the space constraints between adjacent jacks on the patch panel
2Productivity
If fingers are used for manual disengagement of plugs, then the latch can be released, but the process is time-consuming and difficult due to limited space between jacks
Solution Approach 1:
The release tool is designed to self-position and self-actuate the latch release mechanism. The actuating element automatically engages with the latch lever when inserted through the wall strips, and the spring mechanism provides automatic return motion, eliminating the need for precise manual finger operations and reducing the time required for plug release
3Adaptability or versatility
If latch levers are arranged on plugs for manual operation, then the latch element can be released, but the small distances between jacks make operation very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The release tool is designed with universal applicability to work with different plug types (such as western plugs) that have latch levers. The actuating element is configured to engage with various latch lever designs, and the head part can be adapted with different wall strip arrangements to accommodate different plug dimensions, making the tool versatile while maintaining ease of operation across multiple plug types
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly tool for releasing a latch element of a plug that is latchingly connected to a jack, having a tool shaft and a head part arranged on the tool shaft. The head part includes two side walls disposed parallel to one another. The side walls are arranged on a profile top side of a bottom part. On a side of the side walls 5 opposite the profile top side of the bottom part, wall strips are arranged facing to one another and spaced from one another disposed parallel to the bottom part so that a receiving space for the plug is enclosed by the bottom part, the side walls and the wall strips, which space includes an opening formed between the wall strips. A cable connected to the plug can be introduced into the receiving space 8 through the opening.