Modular Connector Guard Cover for Secure Latch Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular connectors lack a secure and efficient mechanism to prevent unauthorized removal, as existing security devices add complexity and are prone to compromise when repeatedly used.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector design featuring a resilient leg with a depressible part and a guard cover that restricts access to the depressible part, allowing direct depression only through a specific access aperture, enabling secure protection without the need for additional tools or complex mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a security device with key mechanism is used to prevent depression of the latch, then security is improved, but device complexity and removal time are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex key mechanism entirely and extracts only the essential security function. The guard cover is a simple protective structure that covers the latch mechanism, preventing unauthorized depression without requiring keys or complex locking mechanisms. This resolves the contradiction by achieving security through simplicity rather than complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: the guard cover that provides security, the latch mechanism that provides release functionality, and the connector body. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without the need for integrated complex mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between security and simplicity.
2Reliability
If a key-based locking mechanism is implemented, then security is improved, but removal time and operational efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The guard cover is designed to be self-retaining through its snap-fit engagement with the connector body. It automatically secures itself without requiring keys or additional tools for installation or removal. The authorized user can simply depress the latch to remove the connector, achieving quick removal while maintaining security against unauthorized access.
3Productivity
If the security device can be entirely removed to save time, then operational speed is improved, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the security device removable and relying on user discipline to keep it attached, the patent inverts the approach: the guard cover is designed to remain permanently attached to the connector body through snap-fit engagement. It only comes off when the connector itself is deliberately removed from the jack, ensuring security is maintained while allowing quick connection/disconnection operations.
4Reliability
If a guard cover is used to prevent access to the latch, then security is improved, but ease of operation for authorized users may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the connector retention system. The guard cover prevents direct access to the latch from the front, but the latch can still be depressed from the rear or side of the connector. This intermediary mechanism maintains security by preventing casual or unauthorized access while allowing authorized users to easily operate the connector when needed.
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
The solution provides a simple, secure mechanism to prevent unauthorized removal of modular connectors by limiting access to the resilient leg, ensuring secure protection with minimal moving parts and easy manufacture, while allowing tool-assisted release for secure disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient leg, depending at a first end thereof from the connector plug, and having a depressible part, distal therefrom, depressible towards the connector plug
Data Source
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AI summary
A modular connector is provided comprising: a connector plug, which may be inserted into an associated socket in a first longitudinal direction; a resilient leg, depending at a first end thereof from the connector plug, and having a depressible part, distal therefrom, depressible towards the connector plug; and a guard cover, configured to prevent access to the depressible part of the resilient leg in its direction of depression, but to permit access to the resilient leg in the longitudinal direction through an access aperture, the access aperture being aligned with the depressible part of the resilient leg on an axis parallel with the longitudinal direction, to allow depression of the resilient leg through the access aperture directly. A corresponding extraction tool and methods, loopback connector, blanking plug, blanking plate and patch panel are also provided.