Cable Bundle Slider for Preventing Incorrect Connector Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorrect insertion of cables into connector ports in systems like Ethernet networks can lead to malfunctioning of devices, especially in scenarios with multiple ports of varying dimensions, where existing solutions like integrated plugs or numbering fail to prevent swapping.
Innovation Solution
A cable bundle system with a slider that adjusts the operational length and sequence of cables to match the specific connector ports, ensuring correct insertion by maintaining a required sequence and distance between plugs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If integrated plugs are used to avoid incorrect insertion, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to high tolerance restrictions and varying connector port dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the connection system into separate components: individual cables with plugs and a cable bundle organizer. Instead of using a single complex integrated plug, multiple separate cables are organized together with identification elements, allowing each cable to be connected individually to matching connector ports while maintaining reliability through proper organization and identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies identification elements (such as colored bands, labels, or markings) at specific locations on individual cables within the bundle. This local differentiation allows users to quickly identify and connect each cable to the correct connector port without requiring the entire plug assembly to be complex or precisely toleranced.
2Measurement precision
If cables are numbered or tagged to avoid swapping, then connection accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lack of physical prevention mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements physical constraints and organization structures on the cables before connection occurs. The cable bundle organizer pre-arranges cables in a specific sequence and maintains their relative positions, so that when users connect the cables, the correct cable is already positioned for the correct connector port, preventing inadvertent swapping without requiring users to manually match numbers or tags.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connector ports are used with varying dimensions, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for integrated plugs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of designing a single integrated plug that must precisely fit multiple different connector port configurations, the invention segments the connection into multiple individual cables. Each cable plug can be designed to match standard connector specifications, and the cable bundle organizer adapts to different connector port arrangements by organizing cables in appropriate sequences and spacings.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable bundle organizer serves multiple functions: it organizes multiple cables, provides identification, maintains cable spacing, and can be configured for different connector port arrangements. This universal component handles the adaptability requirements without imposing tight tolerance requirements on the cable plugs themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for preventing incorrect insertion of individual plugs into multiple connector ports is provided. A cable bundle is provided for the purpose. The cable bundle includes a plurality of cables and at least one slider. The slider holds the plurality of cables within the cable bundle in a required sequence. The slider can be positioned along the length of the cable bundle to determine the distance between the ends of the cables. This adjusted length and the sequence in which the plurality of cables are held, prevents incorrect insertion of individual cables into connector ports. The cable bundle may include a guide.