Double Hooked Reverse Mountable Patch Panel Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patch panel systems require significant manual effort or additional personnel to punch down wires, and the supporting structures are often bulky and costly due to the need to handle high forces during the process.

Innovation Solution

A patch panel system with an opening width at least twice that of the module, featuring movable resilient tabs that allow the module to be snapped into the panel in either forward or rearward orientation, facilitating easier access and reducing the need for robust supporting structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the module is removed from the patch panel to access the rear terminals, then wire population can be performed, but the operation becomes extremely difficult and requires one-handed manipulation over several inches of distance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of wire populationVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patch panel opening is segmented into a larger width (at least twice the module width) to create distinct functional zones: one side for module insertion and the other side providing clearance for punch-down operations. This spatial segmentation allows the module to remain mounted while enabling easy access to rear terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The enlarged opening acts as an intermediary space between the module and the user, providing the necessary clearance for wire manipulation and punch-down operations without requiring the module to be completely removed from the panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If an assistant holds the module during wire population, then the task can be completed, but service costs increase due to additional personnel requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of wire populationVSAvoidpersonnel quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patch panel design enables the technician to perform wire population independently by providing sufficient clearance through the enlarged opening. The module can be manipulated and accessed without external assistance, allowing single-handed operation and eliminating the need for additional personnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If a robust wiring trough is built to handle 50 pounds of force during punch down, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases and appearance becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the force-bearing function from the wiring trough by allowing the module to remain mounted in the panel during punch-down operations. The panel structure itself absorbs the forces, eliminating the need for an excessively robust and bulky trough design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The module is pre-positioned in the enlarged opening at the correct orientation before wire population begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the forces applied during punch-down are distributed through the panel structure rather than concentrating on the wiring trough, reducing the trough's structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If the opening width is increased to at least twice the module width, then single-handed operation becomes possible, but the patch panel structure becomes larger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle-handed operation capabilityVSAvoidpatch panel area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The opening is enlarged only in the specific dimension necessary for wire population (width at least twice the module width) while maintaining other dimensions within standard constraints. This localized enlargement provides the necessary operational clearance without significantly increasing the overall panel footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 single-handed operation of punching down wires without additional assistance and reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for excessively robust supporting structures, while maintaining structural integrity during the punch down process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one movable member, such as a resilient tab

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8075344B2Double hooked reverse mountable module and panel with opening for multiple modules mounting

Publication Date: 2011.12.13 COMMSCOPE NORTH CAROLINA LLC

AI summary

A patch panel system includes a patch panel frame having an opening formed therein for receiving a multi-port module. The opening is dimensioned to have a width of at least twice the width of the module. The module or patch panel frame includes at least one movable member, such as a resilient tab, which is used to removably attach the module within the opening in one of two orientations. In a first orientation, the ports of the module face a user, such that the ports can be easily populated. In a second orientation, the module is rotated one hundred eighty degrees about a vertical axis prior to being attached within the opening, such that the backs of the ports face the user to help facilitate population of connections to the backs of the ports.