Communication Module Illumination for Data Center Port Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data centers face challenges in accurately identifying and managing communication modules due to the lack of clear visual indicators and efficient methods for tracking cable connections, leading to time-consuming processes when issues arise.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating illumination sources and sensors into communication devices, allowing for visual identification and physical input detection, enabling modules to illuminate and perform actions such as turning on connected modules' illumination sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional communication modules without visual indicators are used, then device complexity is reduced, but identification accuracy and ease of operation deteriorate due to difficulty in locating modules and cable connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by using illumination sources that emit different colors (e.g., green, yellow, red) to indicate different operational states of communication modules. The body element is configured to transmit these colored lights, allowing operators to quickly identify module status and location without complex interfaces or additional devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of operation

If illumination sources and sensors are added to communication modules, then ease of operation and identification improve, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the illumination source, body element, and sensor into an integrated communication module assembly. The illumination source is positioned within the module housing, the body element serves as both structural component and light transmission medium, and the sensor detects physical inputs like handle manipulation. This integration minimizes additional complexity while providing enhanced operational capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The body element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the communication module, transmits illumination from the light source to the exterior for visual indication, and can be configured to transmit sensor signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If cables are kept in large bundles without identification, then space utilization is improved, but loss of information occurs regarding cable routing and connection mapping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveport management efficiencyVSAvoidcable connection information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect physical inputs such as handle manipulation or module removal, which then triggers the illumination source to activate. This provides real-time visual feedback to operators about module status and identity, enabling accurate tracking of cable connections and port mappings without requiring external documentation or complex identification systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 allows for quick and accurate identification of communication modules within data centers, facilitating efficient data center port management by illuminating handles and enabling users to easily locate both ends of cable connections.

Implementation Method 1

an illumination source and a body element. The body element may be configured to allow illumination generated by the illumination source to propagate within and illuminate at least a portion of an outer surface of the first body element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission and propagation: Light

Data Source

PatentUS10325456B2Communication devices including an illumination source and a physical input sensor

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 II VI DELAWARE INC

AI summary

Communication devices are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a communication device may include a communication module including an illumination source and a body element. The body element may be configured to allow illumination generated by the illumination source to propagate within and illuminate at least a portion of an outer surface of the body element.