Keyed Connector Mounting Plate for Ordered Cable Mating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for connecting jumper cables to trunk cables in antenna tower environments are complex and costly, with a high risk of misconnections due to lack of a foolproof keying system, making the assembly process error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system featuring a bracket with a plate having uniquely shaped mounting positions and corresponding nuts, and an optional second plate with keyholes that match the shapes of the nuts, ensuring that connectors can only be mated in the correct positions, optionally including grounding and surge arrestors to secure and protect the connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting systems are used for connecting jumper cables to trunk cables, then the assembly process becomes complex and costly, but the risk of misconnections remains high due to lack of proper keying system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing each mounting position with a unique inner perimeter shape that corresponds to a specific connector type. This asymmetric design ensures that only the correct connector can be installed in each position, eliminating misconnections while maintaining a relatively simple overall mounting system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary keying mechanism consisting of shaped mounting positions and corresponding shaped connectors. This intermediary system acts as a mediator between the mounting structure and the connectors, ensuring proper matching without requiring complex identification or alignment procedures.
2Reliability
If a keying system is implemented to prevent misconnections, then connection reliability improves, but the manufacturing cost and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The keying system uses simple asymmetric shapes that can be easily manufactured using conventional processes. The inner perimeter shapes of mounting positions and corresponding connector shapes are designed to be geometrically simple, avoiding complex machining or molding operations, thus keeping manufacturing costs low while providing effective misconnection prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of mounting positions and connectors to create the keying system. By varying the inner perimeter shape parameters (such as number of sides, angles, or specific geometric features) across different mounting positions, the system achieves differentiation without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple mounting positions are provided on a single plate, then the mounting system becomes more compact, but the risk of confusion between positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each mounting position on the plate is given a unique asymmetric inner perimeter shape that corresponds to a specific connector type. This asymmetric design provides inherent visual and physical differentiation between positions, making it easy to identify the correct position for each connector while maintaining a compact plate design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving each mounting position on the plate a distinct geometric characteristic (different inner perimeter shape) tailored to its specific function. This local differentiation ensures that each position is easily identifiable and matches only its intended connector, preventing confusion even when multiple positions are present on a single compact plate.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting system for facilitating ordered mating of plural connectors includes a bracket having at least one feature for securing to a pole or wall. A plate is connected to the bracket and includes plural mounting positions. Optional grounding and/or surge arrestors may be included. In a keying embodiment, each mounting position has an inner perimeter shape different than the inner perimeter shapes of the other mounting positions. Each connector of plural first connectors includes a threaded portion holding a first nut with an outer perimeter having a shape unique as compared to the first nuts of other first connectors. The outer perimeter of the first nut seats into one, and only one, of the plural mounting positions of the plate. Optionally, a second plate may be mounted to and spaced from the first plate. The second plate includes plural keyholes which are aligned to the plural mounting positions. Each keyhole has an inner perimeter shape matching the inner perimeter shape of the mounting position to which the keyhole is aligned. The keyholes only permit a second connector, with a matching key nut, to pass therethrough and mate into the first connector in the aligned mounting position.