Intelligent Patching Kit for Automated Connection Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communications systems, particularly in office networks and data centers, manual logging of patch cord connections is often incomplete or inaccurate due to human error, highlighting the need for automated tracking solutions that can upgrade existing patch panels to intelligent systems.
Innovation Solution
A kit and assembly that integrate electronic circuitry and sensors into a communications frame, enabling detection of connector presence and absence between fingers, along with indicator lights and a keypad for monitoring and modifying connections, which can be attached to existing patch panels to provide intelligence and automate logging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual logging of patch cord connections is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of connection tracking deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-tracking of patch cord connections through electronic circuitry and sensors that detect connector presence and absence, eliminating the need for manual logging by operators while ensuring accurate connection records are automatically maintained
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical logging processes with electronic detection systems including sensors, electronic circuitry, and automated tracking mechanisms that detect connector states and record connection information without human intervention
2Reliability
If intelligent patching systems with electronic circuitry and sensors are integrated into existing patch panels, then measurement precision and reliability of connection tracking improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligent patching system is divided into separate functional modules including electronic circuitry, sensors, indicator lights, and keypad interfaces that can be independently installed and maintained, allowing incremental integration into existing patch panels without requiring complete system replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic circuitry and sensor system is designed to be universally applicable to existing patch panel configurations, providing multiple functions including connection detection, automatic logging, visual indication through LED lights, and manual control via keypad, thereby improving reliability across diverse patch panel types
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for providing intelligence capability to a communications frame includes: a housing having a central portion, pairs of upper members extending from opposite sides of the central portion, and a plurality of fingers extending away from each of the upper members; a rear cover attached to the housing, the cover having a central body, pairs of upper legs extending from opposite sides of the central body, and a plurality of fingers extending away from each of the upper members; and a PCB having a central section, pairs of upper members extending from opposite sides of the central section, and a plurality of fingers extending away from each of the upper members, the PCB being adapted for attachment to the housing and rear cover, with the central section being sandwiched between the central portion and the central body, the PCB upper members being sandwiched between the rear cover upper members and the housing upper members, and the PCB fingers being sandwiched between the rear cover fingers and the housing fingers. The PCB further comprises electronic circuitry configured to detect the presence or absence of a connector positioned between adjacent PCB fingers.