Intelligent Patching Kit for Accurate Connection Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communications systems, technicians often neglect to update logs or make errors when changing patch cord connections, leading to incomplete and inaccurate records, despite the use of automated systems that require all patch panels and network switches to have automatic tracking capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A kit that provides intelligence to existing patch panels by incorporating a PCB with electronic circuitry and sensors to detect the presence or absence of connectors, allowing for accurate tracking and logging of connections without the need for all panels to be upgraded to intelligent systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all patch panels and network switches are equipped with automatic tracking capabilities, then connection tracking accuracy is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A portable intelligent device is introduced as an intermediary tool that temporarily connects to patch panels to extract connection information. This mediator captures data from existing patch panels without requiring them to be inherently intelligent, thereby achieving accurate tracking while avoiding the complexity of upgrading all system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device creates a digital copy or representation of the connection topology by reading information from patch panels and network switches. This copying approach allows accurate tracking of connections without modifying the original system components, maintaining their simplicity while achieving measurement precision through the portable intelligence.
2Reliability
If technicians manually update logs when changing patch cord connections, then system cost is reduced, but logging accuracy and completeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service logging where the portable intelligent device automatically extracts connection information from patch panels and network switches without requiring technician intervention for data entry. The device performs self-directed data collection and logging, eliminating manual updates while maintaining simplicity of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device provides automated feedback by continuously monitoring and extracting connection status from patch panels and switches, then automatically updating logs. This feedback mechanism ensures logging accuracy without requiring complex automated tracking infrastructure, as the portable device performs the feedback function on-demand.
3Extent of automation
If existing patch panels are upgraded to intelligent systems, then connection tracking capability is improved, but upgrade cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The intelligence is segmented into a separate portable device rather than being integrated into all patch panels. This segmentation allows the tracking capability to be deployed independently without upgrading existing infrastructure, eliminating upgrade time and cost while maintaining full automation capability through the portable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable intelligent device serves as a universal tool that can interface with multiple different patch panel and network switch models without requiring them to be upgraded. This multi-functionality approach provides automated tracking capability while avoiding the need for system-wide upgrades, saving both time and resources.
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for providing intelligence capability to a communications frame includes: a housing adapted to be attached to a communications frame, the housing having a body portion and pairs of lower, middle and upper legs extending from opposite sides of the body portion; a cover adapted to be attached to the housing, the cover having a central body and pairs of lower, middle and upper legs extending from opposite sides of the central body; and a PCB having a body section and pairs of lower, middle and upper legs extending from opposite sides of the body section, the PCB being adapted for attachment to the housing and cover, with the body section being sandwiched between the body portion and the central body, the PCB lower legs being sandwiched between the cover lower legs and the housing lower legs, the PCB middle legs being sandwiched between the cover middle legs and the housing middle legs, and the PCB upper legs being sandwiched between the cover upper legs and the housing upper legs. The PCB further comprises electronic circuitry configured to detect the presence or absence of a connector positioned between one of the PCB middle legs and either (a) one of the PCB upper legs or (b) one of the PCB lower legs.