Flexible Jack Adapter for Cross-Compatible Telecom Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telecommunications jacks are incompatible across different specifications, requiring manufacturers to maintain large inventories due to the lack of cross-compatibility between various jack types, such as keystone, SL, and M-series jacks.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunications jack adapter that accommodates multiple jack types by featuring a flexible design with deflectable latch members and spring arms, allowing it to fit into a single opening structure designed for one type while securely holding different jack types, including keystone and SL-series jacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers produce multiple jack types with different specifications, then each jack type can be optimized for its specific opening structure, but manufacturers must maintain large inventories due to lack of cross-compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a universal opening structure that can accommodate multiple jack types (M-series, SL-series, keystone) through a single standardized interface. The adapter body includes a standardized opening that universally accepts different jack types, while the removable jack adapters provide type-specific compatibility, enabling one adapter to serve multiple functions across different jack specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution segments the adapter system into a permanent adapter body and removable jack adapters. The adapter body contains the standardized opening structure, while separate removable adapters (first jack adapter, second jack adapter) are designed for different jack types. This segmentation allows the inventory to be reduced to just the universal adapter body, with optional removable adapters as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If jack types are designed with different opening structures, then each jack type can be securely retained in its specific opening, but a single opening cannot accommodate multiple jack types
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body incorporates a universal opening structure that can accommodate multiple jack types through standardized dimensions and retention mechanisms. The opening is designed with specific height, width, and depth parameters that universally fit M-series, SL-series, and keystone jacks, eliminating the need for multiple specialized opening structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary between the standardized opening structure and various jack types. The adapter body provides the standardized opening interface, while removable jack adapters serve as intermediaries that translate between the universal opening and specific jack type requirements, enabling compatibility without requiring the opening structure itself to be complex or variable.
3Reliability
If retainers are made deflectable to engage with opening structures, then jacks can be securely retained, but the retainer design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retainers are designed as deflectable (flexible) components that can elastically deform to engage with the opening structure and then return to their original position to provide secure retention. This flexibility allows the retainers to adapt to slight variations in opening structure dimensions while maintaining reliable engagement, without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms.
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 the use of a single adapter to securely fit and retain both keystone and SL-series jacks in an M-series opening, enhancing flexibility and reducing inventory needs by allowing a single opening to accommodate multiple jack types.
Implementation Method 1
a first deflectable latch member formed as part of the first side structure and a second deflectable latch member formed as part of the second side structure
Implementation Method 2
the main body is flexible such that the opening structure matches the first dimension in a relaxed state and matches the second dimension in an expanded state
Data Source
AI summary
A telecommunications jack adapter for receiving multiple types of jacks can include an opening structure having a main body defining a central opening for receiving a first jack type having a first dimension and a second jack type having a second dimension greater than the first dimension, wherein the main body is flexible such that the opening structure matches the first dimension in a relaxed state and matches the second dimension in an expanded state. In some examples, the main body has deflectable latch members configured to engage with an opening structure configured to receive a third jack type.