Mechanical Arm Cable Interconnect System for High Port Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cross-connect devices face challenges such as high cost, insertion loss, passiveness, non-blocking limitations, and inefficient space utilization, particularly in high port count configurations, making them unsuitable for complex network physical configuration management.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a mechanical arm/pincer/threador to facilitate the interconnection of communication cables by releasing and mobilizing connectors between parking slots, allowing for various orientations and connection types, with a conical shape to navigate through other cables, enabling efficient connectivity and disconnection in a scalable and modular manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If crossbar topology is used for controlled cable connections, then connection control is improved, but space utilization deteriorates due to orthogonal linear arrangement requiring large operating areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D orthogonal linear arrangement to a 3D spatial configuration using multiple support structures at different levels. Connectors are arranged in parking slots across multiple stacked support structures, allowing vertical stacking and three-dimensional cable routing. This dimensional change enables high port count devices to achieve crossbar topology connection control while dramatically reducing the horizontal operating area required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high port count is implemented in crossbar topology, then connection versatility is improved, but device size and cost increase prohibitively
Solution Approach 1:
By stacking multiple support structures vertically, the patent achieves high port count capability without proportional increase in horizontal footprint. The modular stacked architecture allows connectors to be accessed from multiple directions (top, bottom, sides), enabling versatile connections while maintaining compact device volume suitable for high port count applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested arrangement where multiple support structures are stacked vertically within each other's spatial envelope. Connectors on different support structures are positioned to utilize three-dimensional space efficiently, with cables routed through vertical channels and horizontal pathways. This nesting approach allows high port count devices to achieve crossbar topology connection versatility while dramatically reducing the overall device volume and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical arm mobilizes connector through complex crossed cable topology, then connection flexibility is improved, but risk of cable damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary routing design where cable pathways are pre-planned and pre-positioned through the support structure stack before connectors are mobilized. Dedicated cable channels and routing guides are installed in advance to define safe pathways. When the mechanical arm moves connectors between parking slots, cables follow these pre-established routes, preventing random cable movement and reducing damage risk while maintaining connection flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method device assembly and system for facilitating the interconnection of communication bearing cables connected cable connectors. An interconnect-point support structure comprising two or more cable connector slots, wherein in each of the two or more slots is adapted to host a cable connector attached to a respective cable. A mechanical arm functionally associated with the interconnect-point support structure is adapted to release a cable connector, mobilize and mate it to another connector.