Pivot and Slide Labelling Plate for Patch Panel Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patch panel labelling methods fail to provide a system where labels remain visible during installation and maintenance while allowing easy access and storage, and are not resistant to environmental conditions like moisture and heat.
Innovation Solution
A labelling system comprising a connector module with sliders and a moveable labelling plate that can pivot and slide, providing access to connectors while maintaining visibility and allowing easy storage, and is fabricated from durable materials resistant to environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesive stickers are used for labelling, then the labelling can be applied easily, but the labels are not protected and may be smudged or lost during application or cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The labelling plate is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be positioned in front of the patch panel during installation and maintenance for visibility, and moved away or stored when access to connectors is needed. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by making the label both accessible/visible and protectable through its movable nature.
2Reliability
If recesses or faceplates with clear plastic shields are used to protect labels, then the labels are protected from environmental conditions, but insertion of new labels becomes difficult due to restricted physical access
Solution Approach 1:
The labelling plate is designed as a movable component that can be easily positioned and removed, eliminating the restricted access problem of fixed recesses or faceplates. The plate can be slid into place from the front and removed without requiring disassembly or complex manipulation, thus maintaining both protection and ease of replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The labelling system is segmented into a separate movable plate that can be independently handled, rather than being integrated into the fixed patch panel structure. This segmentation allows the label to be protected when in position while being easily removable for replacement or access.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a patch panel labelling system for mounting to a telecommunications rack. The system comprises a connector module mounted to the rack and having a front face with a plurality of connectors. A labelling plate is mounted to the module for movement about a first pivot axis between a first position where the plate is substantially parallel to the front face of the module and a second position where the plate is pivoted away from the front face for providing access to the connectors. The plate can be further pivoted about a second pivot axis to selectively hide or reveal the labels provided thereon for identifying the connectors. The plate can be also be slid underneath the module for storage.