Communication Outlet Shutter and Wire Manager Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RJ-45 type outlets are prone to debris and foreign object insertion, and the process of terminating cables is difficult and time-consuming due to the need to press wires into slots on a terminal block.

Innovation Solution

A communication outlet design featuring a shutter door with a biasing member that prevents debris entry and facilitates easy plug insertion, combined with a wire manager that simplifies cable termination by guiding and positioning wires for electrical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a conventional RJ-45 outlet includes an open plug receiving opening, then plug insertion is easy and accessible, but debris and foreign objects may be inserted into the opening causing contamination and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris and foreign object insertionVSAvoidplug insertion accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter door is made movable between closed and open positions. When closed, it blocks the plug receiving opening to prevent debris entry. When a plug is inserted, the shutter door opens to allow access. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by making the opening protected when not in use but accessible when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shutter door acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the plug receiving opening. It mediates by selectively blocking or allowing access to the opening, preventing harmful factors (debris) while permitting legitimate access (plug insertion) when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a conventional outlet includes a terminal block with slots for wire termination, then electrical connections can be established, but the process is difficult and time-consuming requiring individual wire pressing into each slot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection establishmentVSAvoidcable termination time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wire manager divides the cable termination process into organized sections with individual channels for each wire. This segmentation allows wires to be systematically routed and positioned without the need for manual pressing into terminal block slots, reducing time while maintaining reliable electrical connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wire manager performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning and organizing wires in their correct positions before electrical connection is made. The wires are guided through channels and held in place, so that when connection is needed, the wires are already properly positioned, eliminating the time-consuming wire pressing step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a shutter door is added to prevent debris entry, then foreign object protection is improved, but the outlet structure becomes more complex with additional moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebris and foreign object preventionVSAvoidoutlet structure with shutter mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter door mechanism is merged with the existing outlet structure, integrating the protective function into the housing rather than adding a completely separate component. The shutter door is positioned within the outlet body and works in conjunction with existing elements, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining effective protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively prevents foreign objects from entering the outlet while streamlining the cable termination process, ensuring secure and efficient electrical connections.

Implementation Method 1

The biasing member includes at least one biasing portion that extends along a second axis spaced apart from and substantially parallel with the first axis. The biasing member biases the shutter door toward the closed position.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The at least one biasing portion of the biasing member may include first and second coil springs. The first and second coil springs may have first and second free end portions, respectively. In such embodiments, the first and second free end portions are positioned adjacent to the shutter door and press against the shutter door

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

The shutter door is housed inside the outlet housing, and the at least one ground spring contacts the plug housing of the communication plug when the portion of the communication plug is inserted into the plug receiving opening thereby connecting the first and second grounds.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9515437B2Communication outlet with shutter mechanism and wire manager

Publication Date: 2016.12.06 LEVITON MFG CO INC

AI summary

A wire contact, such as an insulation displacement connector, having a wire receiving gap partially defined by a side portion. The side portion has a cutting portion with a first thickness and a non-cutting portion with a second thickness. The first thickness is less than the second thickness. The cutting portion is configured to cut through the insulation of the wire when the wire is pressed into the wire receiving gap.