Fiber Optic Cable Connector for Ethernet Status Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems for Ethernet links often require specialized brackets to view status lights, which can be space-constrained and incompatible with various housing configurations, making it difficult to monitor Ethernet connections without direct access to the receptacles.
Innovation Solution
A visually evident connection system that uses a power/data cable connector with a passageway for a fiber optic cable to transmit illumination from the receptacle's status lights to a remote location, providing visual evidence of the connection without the need for brackets, allowing for compact and adaptable monitoring of adjacent Ethernet receptacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If brackets are used to extend status lights to viewable positions, then Ethernet link monitoring becomes possible, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fiber optic cables as intermediaries to transfer light from the status LEDs to remote viewing positions. The fiber optic cables act as mediators that carry the optical signal without requiring mechanical brackets or structural modifications to the housing, thus solving the monitoring difficulty while avoiding the complexity of bracket installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical bracket system with an optical-based solution using fiber optic cables. Instead of mechanically extending or redirecting light through brackets and mirrors, the system uses optical fibers to transmit the status light signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical mounting structures.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If brackets are mounted to housing to view status lights, then connection status becomes visible, but space for adjacent receptacles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the status light viewing capability into a different spatial dimension by using fiber optic cables to route light signals remotely. Instead of expanding horizontally with brackets that consume housing space, the system uses the third dimension (cable routing through available space) to achieve remote viewing without encroaching on the area needed for adjacent receptacles.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If specially designed brackets are used for each housing configuration, then status light viewing is enabled, but adaptability to different configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal fiber optic cable connections that can be adapted to various housing configurations without requiring specially designed brackets for each case. The fiber optic cables and their connection methods are universally applicable across different housing types, providing status light viewing capability while maintaining adaptability to diverse configurations.
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 confirmation of Ethernet link integrity and data transmission speed without the need for space-consuming brackets, ensuring compatibility with various housing configurations and providing a compact, visually evident monitoring solution.
Implementation Method 1
illumination from the illumination region of the receptacle is transmitted by the fiber optic cable
Data Source
AI summary
A visually evident connection system for a plug-in power/data cable including a power/data cable connector securable to a power/data cable. The connector is configured to be received by a power/data receptacle having an illumination region. In response to an interconnection between the connector and the receptacle, the connector is configured to provide visual evidence of the interconnection by illumination of a component other than the illumination region of the receptacle. The source of illumination of the component is provided by the illumination region of the receptacle.