Daisy Chain Patch Cord Assemblies for Efficient Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for packaging and installing patch cords are inefficient, requiring individual removal from plastic packaging, leading to wasted material and prolonged installation times, especially in scenarios where numerous patch cords are needed simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
The development of daisy chain patch cord assemblies that include a first and second patch cord secured by a detachable coupler element, such as a band element, sleeve, or I-shaped coupler, allowing for efficient packaging, storage, and easy access during installation, while maintaining the plugs in a stable, planar configuration to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If patch cords are packaged individually in plastic packaging, then each patch cord is protected during transport, but material waste increases and installation time increases due to individual removal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple patch cords are bundled together in a single packaging unit with a common coupler element, allowing simultaneous removal and installation of multiple cords. This merging approach maintains protection during transport while eliminating the need to individually remove each patch cord during installation, directly resolving the time loss contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system is segmented into modular units where each unit contains a specific number of patch cords with their own coupler elements. This segmentation allows installers to remove only the required number of cords from each bundle, reducing overall handling time while maintaining protection for cords that remain packaged.
2Reliability
If patch cords are packaged individually in plastic packaging, then each patch cord is protected during transport, but material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple patch cords share a single packaging unit and common coupler element, significantly reducing the total amount of packaging material required. This merging approach maintains adequate protection during transport while eliminating the redundant plastic packaging that would be used if each cord were individually packaged, directly addressing the material waste issue.
3Ease of manufacture
If numerous patch cords are removed individually from packaging, then each cord can be installed precisely, but installation process becomes prolonged and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple patch cords are combined in a single bundle with a shared coupler element, allowing the installer to remove and install multiple cords simultaneously or in rapid succession. This maintains the ability to precisely position each cord while dramatically increasing installation speed and convenience, directly resolving the productivity contradiction.
4Productivity
If patch cords are bundled together with coupler elements, then packaging efficiency improves and installation access is simplified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler element is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple different patch cord types and configurations within a single bundle. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall assembly structure by using a single standardized coupler rather than requiring different packaging and coupling mechanisms for each cord type, thereby improving packaging efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A patch cord assembly is provided for detachably securing a first patch cord relative to a second patch cord, defined by a first patch cord that includes a first elongated cord and a first plug mounted with respect to one end of said first elongated cord, and a second patch cord that includes a second elongated cord and a second plug mounted with respect to one end of said second elongated cord. A method of patch cord assembly is provided for detachably securing a first patch cord relative to a second patch cord. A system of patch cord assembly packaging and payout is provided including a housing for packaging a patch cord assembly and at least one housing opening for paying out the at least first patch cord.