Blank Port Insert Labeling for Specific Connector Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data communication stations face challenges in identifying and tracking the type of connectivity interfaces and equipment connections due to limited space, with existing identification icons not being specific to individual connectors or interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A blank insert configured to receive customizable indicia, which can be inserted into connectivity interfaces to identify and label specific connectors, providing additional space for future expansion and enhancing labeling and identification within the data communication station.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If identification icons are placed on the wall plate, then general identification is provided, but the identification is not specific to individual connectors or interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity identification informationVSAvoidlabeling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The identification system is segmented by placing individual identification icons on each blank insert rather than having a single general identification area on the wall plate. This allows each connector interface to have its own specific identification, resolving the contradiction between providing detailed connectivity information and maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blank insert acts as an intermediary element between the wall plate and the connector interface. It carries the specific identification information for each connector type, serving as a mediator that provides detailed connectivity identification without requiring the wall plate itself to be complex or customized for each connector type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If space is allocated for multiple connectors, then connectivity capacity is increased, but tracking and identification of specific connectors becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnectivity interface capacityVSAvoidconnector type identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Each connector interface is assigned its own blank insert with specific identification, segmenting the identification function across multiple individual elements rather than requiring a single complex tracking system. This allows the wall plate to accommodate multiple connectors while maintaining clear identification of each one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of information

If blank inserts are used to identify connectors, then specific connectivity identification is achieved, but the wall plate space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnector identification informationVSAvoidwall plate available space

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The blank insert serves multiple functions: it provides identification information for the connector type, acts as a placeholder for future connectors, and can be removed or replaced as needed. This multi-functionality justifies the space occupation by delivering multiple benefits from a single element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The blank insert is installed in advance to reserve space for future connector installations. This preliminary action allows the wall plate to be prepared and identified for specific connectivity purposes before the actual connectors are installed, maintaining organization and identification throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4239807B1Data communication port insert configurable with indicia to customize data communication station labeling and identification

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 LEVITON MFG CO INC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1F
Figure 2A~2B

AI summary

A blank insert configured to be inserted, in place of a connector, in a first aperture of a connectivity interface, wherein the blank insert comprises: a front facing surface including a second aperture formed therein; an identification icon inserted in the second aperture formed in the front facing surface to retain the identification icon, wherein the identification icon receives indicia thereon; and a second identification icon, wherein the front facing surface includes a third aperture formed therein, wherein the second identification icon is inserted in the third aperture to retain the second identification icon, and wherein the second identification icon receives indicia thereon.