Mountable Cable Interface for Thermostats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interfaces between network cables and electronic devices, such as thermostats, often result in damage when attempting to detach the cable due to the locking mechanism's failure to disengage properly, leading to potential damage to both the device and the cable.
Innovation Solution
A mounting plate with an inner passageway that displaces the locking clip of the network cable plug to prevent it from engaging with the jack's protrusion, allowing for secure retention and easy detachment of the plug without disengaging the locking clip, featuring a retention member that slides from an unlocked to a locked position for secure cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking clip mechanism is used to secure the plug to the jack, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the user must depress the locking clip to detach the plug
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate separates the cable retention function from the device mounting function. The cable plug is retained by the mounting plate structure rather than by a locking mechanism on the device itself, allowing the device to be removed independently without manipulating cable locks
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate acts as an intermediary between the wall and the electronic device. The cable is secured to the mounting plate, and the device is secured to the mounting plate, but the cable and device can be independently removed without interacting with each other's locking mechanisms
2Reliability
If the locking clip is not disengaged before moving the device, then the connection reliability is maintained, but object-generated harmful factors worsen because the cable or device may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three independent components: the wall, the mounting plate, and the electronic device. The cable is secured to the mounting plate while the device is secured to the mounting plate, but the cable and device can be independently removed without forcing or damage
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is pre-configured with a recess that receives the cable plug and a locking mechanism that automatically secures the cable when the device is mounted. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual locking clip engagement and prevents damage during device removal
3Reliability
If a traditional hard wired connection is used, then the reliability of power delivery is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the device cannot be easily moved or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static hardwired connection to a dynamic modular connection. The electronic device can be easily mounted and dismounted from the mounting plate while the cable remains permanently secured to the mounting plate, providing both reliability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate serves multiple functions: it secures the cable to the wall, provides a mounting surface for the electronic device, and enables easy device replacement. This universal mounting solution works with different cable types and device configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting plate assembly for securing a plug of a network cable to a jack of an electronic device. The assembly includes a mounting plate having an attachment mechanism that is configured for releasable locking engagement with the electronic device. Further, the mounting plate is adapted to be mounted to a mounting structure. The mounting plate includes inner passageway that is adapted to receive insertion of at least a portion of the plug. Additionally, the inner passageway is adapted to depress a locking clip of the inserted plug to a position that prevents the locking clip from lockingly engaging a protrusion in an aperture of the jack. Further, the retention member may include at least one arm that is configured to retain the plug in a relatively static position relative to the mounting plate when the plug is being received in, and removed from, the aperture of the jack.