Self-Powered Network Cable Tracer with Integrated Telltales

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for tracing remote connectors of networking cables are labor-intensive, require external test equipment, and can disrupt network performance, especially in large and complex network environments where cables are often lengthy and located in separate rooms.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained network cable tracing system with electrically activated telltales and a manually operated switch integrated into the cable connector hoods, powered by a battery or Power Over Ethernet, which minimizes crosstalk and allows multiple testing modes without external equipment, including the use of an RFID tag for location recording.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If external test equipment is used to trace cable connections, then cable termination points can be identified, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable termination point identificationVSAvoidtracing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cable tracer system enables self-service tracing by integrating active indicators directly into the cable connectors. The indicators are activated automatically when power is applied, allowing users to trace cable connections without requiring external test equipment or manual intervention at both ends of the cable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-installing active indicators within the cable connectors before deployment. These indicators are ready to be activated immediately when power is applied, eliminating the need for on-site testing equipment and reducing tracing time to seconds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If traditional tracing methods are used, then cable ends can be located, but network performance is disrupted and workstations must be taken out of service

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable end locationVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable tracer system enables self-service tracing by integrating active indicators directly into the cable connectors. The indicators are activated automatically when power is applied, allowing users to trace cable connections without requiring external test equipment or manual intervention at both ends of the cable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If power packs are integrated into cable connectors for tracing, then tracing can be performed without external equipment, but crosstalk increases and cable performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracing operationVSAvoidcrosstalk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector hood incorporates power conservation features and indicator modes that are locally optimized for tracing operations. The system activates indicators only when needed and uses localized power management to minimize interference with data transmission, reducing crosstalk while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Illumination intensity

If LEDs are activated continuously for cable tracing, then location indication is clear, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetelltale visibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector hood incorporates power conservation features and indicator modes that are locally optimized for tracing operations. The system activates indicators only when needed and uses localized power management to minimize interference with data transmission, reducing crosstalk while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 efficient and cost-effective tracing of cable connections by eliminating the need for external test equipment, reducing service disruptions, and maintaining reliable network performance with features like power conservation and multiple indicator modes.

Implementation Method 1

powered by a battery or Power Over Ethernet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

Electrically activated telltales, such as light emitting diodes (LED's) are affixed to both ends of a networking cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10785136B2Networking cable tracer system

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 MERTEK IND LLC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for providing a tracer function for networked cable systems used for data or power transmission. A self contained and self powered indicator circuit is described that enables tracing the location of both ends of a networked cable.