Jumper Installation Feedback via Light Pipe
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of jumpers on computer hardware is challenging due to hard-to-reach locations and low lighting conditions, making it difficult to determine proper electrical contact and correct pin configurations, especially with multiple jumpers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a light pipe into the jumper that transmits light from the computer hardware to a light-emitting face when a circuit is formed, providing visual feedback for correct installation and identification of pin configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If jumpers are installed in hard-to-reach locations on computer hardware, then the configuration capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in determining proper electrical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates visual feedback mechanisms (LED indicators or light pipes) into the jumper device that provide immediate visual confirmation when proper electrical contact is made with the pins. This feedback allows operators to easily determine correct installation without needing to visually inspect hard-to-reach pin locations, thereby resolving the contradiction between configuration capability and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual indication system (light pipe or LED) that mediates between the electrical contact at the pin interface and the operator's ability to verify proper installation. This intermediary translates the invisible electrical connection into visible feedback, making it easy to confirm correct jumper placement regardless of pin location accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple jumpers are connected to configure computer hardware, then the adaptability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring proper installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each jumper incorporates individual visual feedback indicators that provide distinct, localized confirmation of proper installation for each jumper position. This allows operators to easily verify the status of multiple jumpers simultaneously without confusion, maintaining adaptability while reducing detection difficulty through clear, separate visual signals for each connection point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by providing individual visual indicators for each jumper or each pin contact point. This segmentation of the verification system allows operators to independently assess the installation status of multiple jumpers, making it easier to detect and measure proper installation across the entire system rather than treating it as a single undifferentiated task.
3Device complexity
If pins are identified only by silk screen print, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in locating correct pins under low lighting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light pipes as intermediary elements that extend from the pin contact points to the jumper's outer surface. These light pipes act as visual mediators that guide operators to the correct pin locations by channeling light from LEDs positioned at or near the pins, making pin location easy without adding complex identification markings to the hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes or light emission from LEDs and light pipes to indicate correct pin locations and jumper placement status. This visual signaling system replaces or supplements silk screen prints, providing intuitive color-coded or illuminated guidance that is easily visible under various lighting conditions while maintaining simplicity in the identification mechanism.
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
Facilitates easy identification of correct jumper connections and ensures proper electrical contact by illuminating LEDs, simplifying the installation process and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
a light pipe extending from the connecting face to the light-emitting face. The light pipe is operable to transmit a light from a provided computer hardware from the connecting face of the jumper to the light-emitting face of the jumper
Data Source
AI summary
A jumper including a connecting face, a light-emitting face, and a light pipe extending from the connecting face to the light-emitting face is provided. The light pipe is operable to transmit a light from a provided computer hardware from the connecting face to the light-emitting face responsive to the jumper forming a circuit with the provided computer hardware. A method for fabricating a jumper is also provided. The method includes forming a plurality of receptacles on a connecting face of the jumper and incorporating a light pipe into the jumper such that the light pipe extends from the connecting face of the jumper to a light-emitting face of the jumper. A method for providing jumper installation feedback is further provided. The method includes mounting a jumper on a provided computer hardware and transmitting a light through the jumper responsive to the jumper forming a circuit with the provided computer hardware.