Network Cable Visual Marking Device Circuit Topology
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for visual identification of network cables are inefficient, particularly in high-speed networks, as they either disrupt signal transmission, require external power sources, or increase cable size, making it difficult to identify cable ends quickly and accurately in complex patching scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A network cable with integrated electronic circuits, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and switches, where one circuit is connected to the mains supply at one end and the other at the opposite end, allowing activation of LEDs without dedicating conductive wires or requiring external power, ensuring operation without disrupting signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If optical fiber or electroluminescent wire is used for visual identification, then cable visibility is improved, but cable complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visual identification function from complex optical fiber or electroluminescent wire systems and implements it using simple LED components integrated into the cable structure. This reduces cable complexity while maintaining visibility functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive LED components and simple circuitry instead of expensive optical fibers or electroluminescent wires. The LED-based system provides sufficient visibility identification at a lower cost and with less complexity.
2Ease of operation
If conductors are dedicated to power supply for visual identification, then identification functionality is improved, but communication speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing power conductors serve dual purposes: both power supply for the LED identification system and maintenance of communication signals. This eliminates the need to dedicate separate conductors, thereby preserving high communication speeds while enabling identification functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the cable's own power conductors to supply power to the LED identification components, eliminating the need for external power sources or dedicated power conductors. This self-service approach maintains communication integrity while enabling visual identification.
3Ease of operation
If external power source is required for visual identification, then identification capability is improved, but device portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the cable to power the LED identification system itself using its existing power conductors, eliminating the need for external power sources. This self-powered approach maintains identification capability while improving device portability and reducing overall system complexity.
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
Enables rapid and unambiguous identification of cable ends without increasing cable size or requiring external power, maintaining high communication speeds and ensuring signal integrity, even in high-speed networks up to 10 Gb/s.
Implementation Method 1
A network cable with integrated electronic circuits, including light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and switches
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a network cable (20) comprising wires intended to carry an electrical supply and a device for visual marking (10) of the ends of said cable. According to the invention, the marking device comprises a first electronic circuit (101) comprising a light-emitting diode (11), a switch (12) and a second electronic circuit (102) comprising at least one light-emitting diode (21); the two circuits being connected by a conducting link (103); said electronic circuits being arranged so that the activation of the switch (12) enables the network power supply to supply at least the light-emitting diode of the electronic circuit of the opposite end.