Electroluminescent Patch Cable Visual Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large computer and communication networks, accurately identifying and managing patch cables for troubleshooting and maintenance is challenging due to the complexity of manual paper-based documentation and existing automated systems' limitations in locating disconnected cables.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electroluminescent fiber within patch cables, which can be activated by a portable driver to illuminate the cable's path and ends, allowing for visual identification without requiring expensive hardware or software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If paper-based documentation is used to record cable connections, then documentation can be maintained with simple tools, but the time and effort required to verify and locate cable connections increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual paper-based documentation with an automated optical identification system. Electroluminescent elements are embedded in cable connectors, and a handheld scanner optically detects these elements to automatically identify and record cable connections, replacing the mechanical process of manual documentation with an automated optical-electronic system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies of cable identification information through electroluminescent elements that emit light patterns encoding cable identifiers. The handheld scanner reads these light patterns to capture connection information, effectively creating an optical copy of the cable identity that can be quickly processed without manual intervention
2Extent of automation
If automated monitoring systems with specialized patch panels and display devices are deployed, then cable connection monitoring becomes automated, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from complex centralized monitoring systems and embeds it directly into the cable connectors themselves through electroluminescent elements. This distributes the identification capability to the cable level, eliminating the need for specialized patch panels and display devices while maintaining automation
Solution Approach 2:
The cable connectors perform their own identification function through embedded electroluminescent elements that emit light patterns containing identification information. The handheld scanner reads these self-generated light patterns, allowing the cable system to identify itself without requiring external specialized monitoring infrastructure
3Loss of information
If existing documentation systems are used to locate disconnected cables, then some connection information may be available, but the actual position and path of the cable cannot be located
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electroluminescent elements that emit light of different colors or patterns to encode cable identification information. The handheld scanner detects these color variations to identify cable endpoints and trace cable paths, providing visual information about cable location and status that goes beyond text-based documentation
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 quick and accurate identification of cable origination, termination, and path, reducing troubleshooting time and effort in complex networks without disrupting the existing setup.
Implementation Method 1
an electroluminescent fiber or element generally refers to a light producing device wherein a pair of electrodes combined with a semi conductive material, such as phosphor, produce light when an electrical current is applied across the electrodes due to exitation of the phosphor material
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an interconnect cable having an electroluminescent element disposed therein in order to facilitate locating the interconnect cable. The electroluminescent element is activated by a driver that may be selectively applied to specified driver ports located on end connectors of the cable. The electroluminescent element may be incorporated within the entire length of the cable, or only along selected sections of the cable.