Cable-Connector Assembly with Segmented Twisted Pairs for Category 6A Interconnection

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional network patching systems are time-consuming for interconnections and may struggle to meet stringent performance requirements, such as Category 6A, due to the complexity of connecting communication lines via punch-down connectors or IDCs.

Innovation Solution

A cable-connector assembly featuring a printed circuit board with twisted pairs of conductors attached to it, where a single connector is electrically connected to the conductors, and transition elements with 'eye-of-the-needle' contacts facilitate efficient interconnection, potentially reducing crosstalk and simplifying the connection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If punch-down connectors or IDCs are used to connect cable conductors to patch panel connectors, then interconnections can be made, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection processVSAvoidtime to make connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is divided into multiple subunits, each containing a specific number of twisted pairs of conductors. This segmentation allows for organized routing and connection of individual subunits to corresponding connectors on the printed circuit board, simplifying the connection process and reducing time required for making connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable subunits are pre-organized and routed to specific locations on the printed circuit board before connection. The board includes pre-configured connection points and guiding structures that direct conductors to their proper destinations, eliminating the need for time-consuming field termination and simplifying the connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If punch-down connectors or IDCs are used to connect cable conductors, then interconnections can be made, but the complexity of making and changing connections increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection processVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is divided into multiple subunits, each containing a specific number of twisted pairs of conductors. This segmentation allows for organized routing and connection of individual subunits to corresponding connectors on the printed circuit board, simplifying the connection process and reducing time required for making connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The printed circuit board serves as an intermediary between the cable subunits and the patch panel connectors. It provides a structured interface with guiding structures and pre-configured connection points that simplify the connection process, reducing the complexity of making and changing connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If conventional connection methods are used, then interconnections can be made, but performance requirements such as Category 6A may not be met

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance standardVSAvoidconnection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable subunits are pre-organized and routed to specific locations on the printed circuit board before connection. The board includes pre-configured connection points and guiding structures that direct conductors to their proper destinations, eliminating the need for time-consuming field termination and simplifying the connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The printed circuit board serves as an intermediary between the cable subunits and the patch panel connectors. It provides a structured interface with guiding structures and pre-configured connection points that simplify the connection process, reducing the complexity of making and changing connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8882514B2Datacommunications modules, cable-connector assemblies and components therefor

Publication Date: 2014.11.11 BISON PATENT LICENSING LLC

AI summary

A combination includes: (a) a communications module including: a housing; a printed wiring board mounted within the housing; a plurality of RJ-45 jacks mounted on the printed wiring board and accessible from one side of the housing; and a single module connector mounted to the printed wiring board and electrically connected to the RJ-45 jacks, connector being accessible from a second side of the housing; and (b) a cable-connector assembly including: a cable comprising a plurality of subunits, each of the subunits comprising a jacket and a plurality of twisted pairs of conductors positioned within the jacket; and a single cable connector mounted to the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the conductors of the cable subunits. The module connector is attached to the cable connector.