Dust-Proof Shutter With Locating Unit For Faceplate Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional faceplates with dust-proof shutters require manual operation to keep the connection port open, making it difficult to insert external connector plugs, especially for small or complex plug types like RJ and optical connectors, due to the automatic return mechanism of the shutter.
Innovation Solution
A faceplate with a dust-proof shutter that includes a locating unit allowing the shutter to be held in an open position and easily returned to a closed position, utilizing a combination of elastic elements and a reset mechanism to facilitate plug insertion and removal, ensuring the shutter remains open during connection and closes automatically when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional dust-proof shutter with elastic member is used, then dust protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because user must manually hold the shutter open during connection
Solution Approach 1:
The dust-proof shutter is designed to be movable between closed and opened positions rather than fixed. The elastic member provides dynamic restoring force to automatically return the shutter to closed position, while the locating unit provides dynamic positioning at both closed and opened states, allowing the shutter to adapt its position based on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member enables the shutter to automatically return to the closed position without user intervention after being opened. The system serves itself by using the elastic restoring force to maintain dust protection automatically, eliminating the need for user to continuously hold the shutter open
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the dust-proof shutter automatically returns to closed position, then dust protection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because user cannot easily insert plugs like RJ and optical connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The locating unit prepares the shutter in advance by providing a stable opened position before plug insertion is needed. This preliminary positioning action allows users to easily insert various types of plugs without struggling against an automatically returning shutter, as the shutter is pre-positioned to accommodate the connection operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locating unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the elastic member's restoring force and the plug insertion operation. It mediates by providing discrete positioned states (closed and opened) that reconcile the conflicting requirements of automatic return for dust protection and stable open position for easy plug insertion
3Volume of moving object
If the connection port and dust-proof shutter are made small, then device compactness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because manual manipulation becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The small dust-proof shutter benefits from the elastic member's automatic restoring action, which compensates for the difficulty of manually manipulating small components. The self-service mechanism of automatic return reduces the operational burden on users despite the small size requiring precise manipulation
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 easy and efficient insertion and removal of external connector plugs by allowing the dust-proof shutter to be held in an open position, accommodating various plug types, including RJ and optical connectors, while maintaining dust protection with a simple and operable design.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member is provided at a back surface of the faceplate. One end of the elastic member connects to a sidewall of the faceplate, and the other end abuts against the dust-proof shutter. When an external force from the user is released, the dust-proof shutter will automatically return to the original position by the elasticity from the elastic member
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses to a faceplate with a dust-proof shutter (10). In one embodiment, the faceplate includes: a faceplate body (1); a connection port (4) provided in the faceplate body and adapted for plugging and unplugging; a dust-proof shutter for covering the connection port. The dust-proof shutter can move between a closed position and an opened position so that the connection port is switched between a closed state and an opened state; and a dust-proof shutter locating unit (30, 21, 22) is able to locate the dust-proof shutter in the closed position and the opened position respectively, in response to the action of the dust-proof shutter. Particularly, the dust-proof shutter can be held in an opened position where the connection port is in an opened state, and also the dust-proof shutter is capable of being timely returned to a closed position once the connection port needs to be closed.