Cable Assembly Light Bar for Device Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable assemblies with fiber optic wires in cluttered environments face efficiency and aesthetic issues due to the difficulty in quickly identifying different devices among the cables, leading to decreased efficiency and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A cable assembly with a light bar and control unit that allows for adjustable light settings via press, wireless, mobile device, or personal computer commands, using RGB LEDs to differentiate cables and devices visually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cable assemblies are arranged in large quantities for power and data transmission, then connectivity and data transmission are improved, but cable clutter increases and device identification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by incorporating a light bar with multiple LEDs that can emit different colors to identify different devices connected through the cable assembly. This allows operators to quickly distinguish between various devices in a cluttered cable environment, resolving the contradiction between maintaining multiple connections and enabling easy device identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The light bar acts as an intermediary element between the cable assembly and the devices connected to it. By providing visual feedback through light emission, the light bar mediates the identification process, allowing operators to easily identify devices without needing to physically trace or label each cable connection.
2Productivity
If cable assemblies are arranged in large quantities, then power and data transmission capacity are improved, but aesthetics and environment organization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By using color-coded light emission from the light bar, the patent provides a visual organization system that helps operators mentally map and organize cable connections. This improves the perceived organization and aesthetics of the environment while maintaining high transmission capacity through multiple cable assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If a light bar with multiple LEDs is added to the cable assembly, then device identification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light bar is designed to serve multiple functions: it can emit different colors to identify different devices, it can provide visual feedback about connection status, and it can be controlled through multiple interfaces (manual buttons, wireless communication). This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive identification and status monitoring capabilities within a single integrated component.
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 users to remotely or manually adjust light settings for cable identification, enhancing convenience and aesthetics by allowing color differentiation between cables and their connected devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light-emitting diode (LED) for emitting a visible light to the optical-fiber cable
Implementation Method 2
the light bar comprises at least one optical-fiber cable having a core portion surrounded by a cladding portion in the second cavity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a cable assembly and a cable indication system. The cable assembly includes a cable, a first connector, and a second connector. The cable includes a jacket defining a first cavity and a second cavity, the first cavity includes at least one electrical wire extending through the first cavity, and the second cavity includes a light bar extending through the second cavity. The first connector is electrically coupled to a first end of the cable, and includes a first interface for connecting with a first device. The second connector is electrically coupled to a second end of the cable, and includes a second interface for connecting with a second device.