Extendable Patch Panel With Interlocking Modular Connection Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patch panels are inflexible and require a specific size for each application, limiting their adaptability in telecommunications setups where varying configurations are needed.
Innovation Solution
An extendable patch panel design featuring interconnectable connection parts with specific features allowing for side-by-side and staggered formations, enabling customizable size and configuration through interlocking mechanisms and adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional patch panels are designed with predefined shape and size to accommodate predetermined number of connectors, then structural stability and manufacturing simplicity are improved, but adaptability and flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patch panel is divided into multiple individual connection parts, each capable of being independently assembled. Each connection part includes a base portion and a frame portion that can be interlocked with adjacent parts through connection features, allowing the system to be configured in various sizes and shapes while maintaining structural stability through standardized modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The connection parts are designed with universal connection features that can be interlocked in multiple configurations. The base portion and frame portion with standardized connection features allow the same modular component to serve multiple functions and be arranged in different patterns (linear, staggered, etc.) to meet various application requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If patch panel size is fixed for each application, then manufacturing precision and installation simplicity are improved, but flexibility and customization capability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patch panel system is segmented into standardized connection parts with precise manufacturing specifications. Each connection part maintains high manufacturing precision through standardized dimensions and connection features, while the overall system achieves customizability by assembling different numbers and configurations of these precise modular units
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows parameter changes in terms of overall size and configuration by varying the number and arrangement of connection parts, while each individual connection part maintains fixed precise parameters. This enables customization of the patch panel dimensions and layout without compromising the manufacturing precision of the individual components
3Adaptability or versatility
If connection parts are designed with interlocking features for extendable configuration, then adaptability and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connection parts are segmented into base portions and frame portions with complementary connection features. The base portion includes connection features that receive corresponding features from adjacent frame portions, creating an intuitive interlocking mechanism that simplifies assembly while maintaining flexibility for various configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The connection features are designed to self-align and interlock automatically when connection parts are brought together. The complementary geometries of the connection features guide proper alignment and secure the connection parts to each other, reducing the need for complex assembly procedures or specialized tools
Data Source
AI summary
An extendable telecommunications patch panel (10) is disclosed. In one aspect, the patch panel can include a plurality of interconnectable connection parts (100) for holding telecommunications connectors (12), such as adapters. Each connection part (100) may be provided with features that allow the connection parts (100) to be interlocked with each other to form the extendable patch panel (10). In one aspect, a first connection feature (122) can be located on a connection part first side (102) and a second connection feature (124) can be located on a connection part second side (104). The first connection feature (122) can be configured to interlock with the second connection feature (124) of an adjacent connection part (100). The connection part (100) may also be provided with an adapter (150) that allows the connection parts (100) to be connected in a staggered formation to result in a staggered patch panel (10).