Patch Panel Connector Assembly Stacking for High Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch panel systems are limited in increasing the density of connection ports per unit height, specifically unable to exceed 48 connection ports in a 19-inch (48.26 cm) patch panel height.
Innovation Solution
The novel system incorporates a patch panel with insertion recesses allowing communication connector assemblies to be inserted and moved within mounting openings, featuring protrusions and contact springs for secure positioning and shielding, enabling 48 connection ports in a single 19-inch unit height by stacking and positioning two connection modules per assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If communication connector assemblies are mounted side by side in traditional configurations, then the patch panel can accommodate connection ports, but the density of connection ports per unit height is limited to maximum 48 ports in 19-inch height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional side-by-side horizontal mounting to a vertical stacking arrangement where communication connector assemblies are positioned one above another within the same mounting opening. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical arrangement enables higher port density (up to 72 ports) within the same 19-inch patch panel height, effectively resolving the contradiction between increasing port quantity and maintaining compact height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple communication connector assemblies are stacked vertically within a single mounting opening, similar to nested dolls. Each assembly contains connection modules that are integrated within the housing structure, allowing multiple functional units to occupy the same spatial envelope and thereby increasing port density without proportionally increasing the overall patch panel dimensions.
2Quantity of substance
If communication connector assemblies are tightly packed to increase port density, then more connection ports are available, but secure positioning and electrical shielding become more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mounting structure comprising a mounting plate with mounting openings that serve as intermediaries between the patch panel and the communication connector assemblies. This intermediary structure provides standardized mounting interfaces with protrusions and recesses that ensure precise positioning and secure mechanical attachment, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy even when assemblies are tightly packed in vertical stacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure of each communication connector assembly is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both the structural enclosure for connection modules and as the mounting interface element with integrated protrusions for mechanical attachment. Additionally, the housing provides electrical shielding functionality, combining multiple functions (structural support, positioning, and electromagnetic shielding) into a single component that maintains reliability in high-density configurations.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3f
Figure 3g~3j
AI summary
A system comprising a patch panel (11) and a plurality of communication connector assemblies (12) mounted on the patch panel, whereby the patch panel (11) comprises a mounting wall (13) with at least one mounting opening (14) for receiving a plurality of communication connector assemblies (12), whereby each communication connector assembly (12) comprises a housing (21) for receiving at least one connection module (22a, 22b); the mounting wall (13) of the patch panel (11) comprises in the region of the or each mounting opening (14) insertion recesses (18) extending from the respective mounting opening (14), whereby each communication connector assembly (12) to be mounted is insertable into the respective mounting opening (14) through the insertion recesses (18) along a first direction, and whereby the or each communication connector assembly (12) being inserted into the respective mounting opening (14) can be moved inside the mounting opening along a second direction; the housing (21) of each communication connector assembly (12) receives a first connection module (22a) and a second connection module (22b) stacked in a third direction; whereby opposite walls (24, 25) of the housing (21) comprise protrusions (26) which can be inserted into the insertion recesses (18) when inserting the respective communication connector assembly into the respective mounting opening (14) through the insertion recesses along the first direction and which hold the respective communication connector assembly inside the mounting opening (14) when the same is moved relative to the insertion recesses (18) along the second direction. ( Figure 1 )