Color Identification Tags for Patch Cord Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intelligent patching systems for communications networks face challenges in accurately and cost-effectively tracking patch cord connections due to the need for additional conductors, complex RFID setups, and limited storage capacity of bar codes, leading to potential errors and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of color identification tags with unique color patterns on patch cords and color sensing devices on patching devices to automatically track connections, eliminating the need for additional conductors and complex RFID systems, while providing reliable and expandable tracking capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RFID systems are used to track patch cord connections, then tracking reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking function from complex RFID systems and implements it using simple color identification tags that can be read by basic color sensing devices. This removes the need for complex RFID infrastructure while maintaining tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive color identification tags instead of expensive RFID tags. These color tags are simple, cost-effective identifiers that can be easily manufactured and applied to patch cords without requiring complex electronic components.
2Reliability
If additional conductors are added to patch cords for tracking, then tracking capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for additional conductors by using optical color identification tags that can be read through the existing cable structure. This maintains electrical simplicity while adding tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical/conductor-based tracking mechanisms with optical color identification. Instead of using additional wires or conductors, the system uses visual color patterns that can be detected by color sensing devices.
3Reliability
If bar codes are used on patch cords, then tracking is enabled, but storage capacity is limited and reading reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color identification tags with multiple distinguishable color patterns instead of traditional bar codes. The color patterns can encode more information and are more reliably detected by color sensing devices, overcoming the limitations of bar code storage capacity and reading reliability.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective, reliable, and easy-to-implement method for automatically tracking patch cord connections, reducing errors and increasing the scalability of the communications system by using color identification tags and color sensing devices to log connectivity changes in both copper-based and optical fiber systems.
Implementation Method 1
a color sensing device mounted on the patching device and configured to detect the color pattern included on the color identification tag that is mounted on the connector
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a patch cord comprises: a communications cable that includes a first conductor and a second conductor that form a first differential pair, a third conductor and a fourth conductor that form a second differential pair; a fifth conductor and a sixth conductor that form a third differential pair, a seventh conductor and an eighth conductor that form a fourth differential pair; and a plug that is attached to a first end of the communications cable, the plug comprising: a plug housing that receives the communications cable; first through eighth plug contacts that each are at least partially within the housing and that are electrically connected to the respective first through eighth conductors; and a color identification tag that has a first color pattern that is a unique identifier for the patch cord.