Front-Load Modular Jack With Single Latch Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interface modules require extra space for installing and removing modular jacks due to the need to tilt and rotate them to engage both latches, and they lack labeling for port designations, making them inefficient and difficult to use.
Innovation Solution
A front-loadable interface module with a housing that allows modular jacks to be inserted and removed parallel to their longitudinal axis, featuring a single latch arm and flat bottom surface, and includes panel labels for identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual latches are used on top and bottom surfaces of the jack, then the jack is securely retained in the module, but extra space or clearance height is required to install and remove the jacks due to the need to tilt and rotate them
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the bottom latch from the dual-latch configuration, retaining only the top latch arm. This eliminates the need for the second latch that required tilting and rotating motions, thereby reducing the clearance height needed for installation while maintaining secure retention through the single top latch mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the jack to be tilted and rotated to engage both top and bottom latches, the invention inverts the approach by using a single top latch that engages through a straightforward insertion motion parallel to the longitudinal axis, eliminating the complex angular engagement required by dual latches
2Device complexity
If jacks are mounted into the module via the rear of the patch panel, then the module structure is simple, but each individual jack must be installed and/or removed from the rear side, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional rear-loading approach by enabling front-loading of jacks into the module. The single top latch arm is positioned and configured to allow engagement from the front of the patch panel, making jack installation and removal accessible from the front rather than requiring access to the rear side
3Ease of operation
If a single latch arm is used instead of dual latches, then the clearance height for installation is reduced, but the retention mechanism must be simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of the latch mechanism by positioning the single latch arm and its corresponding latch opening at specific locations and orientations. The latch arm is configured with appropriate length, angle, and positioning to provide sufficient retention force with a single element, eliminating the need for dual latches while maintaining security
Data Source
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AI summary
A module assembly including an interface module (120) including a housing having a plurality of jack cavities (138) and associated jack latch openings (146). The housing is configured to be mated with a patch panel (100). The module assembly also includes a plurality of modular jacks (122) that are directly inserted into corresponding jack cavities (138). Each modular jack (122) includes a single latch arm (166) that engages the jack latch opening (146) to retain the modular jack (122) in the jack cavity (138). Optionally, each modular jack (122) may include a top surface and a bottom surface (184), wherein the latch arm (166) extends from the top surface and wherein the bottom surface (184) is planar. The bottom surface may rest flush with a bottom wall (184) of the jack cavity.