Patch Panel Support Device for Wiring Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators face discomfort and inefficiency when wiring patch panels in patch bays due to lack of suitable support, often requiring uncomfortable working positions and excessive assembly/disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A support device with inclined bearing surfaces and locking mechanisms is fixed to the patch bay uprights, providing stable support for patch panels during wiring and allowing easy access to the rear connectors without the need for flipping the panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the patch panel is fixed upside down on the mounting posts to access the back of connectors, then the wiring can be carried out in the light, but the working position of the operator becomes uncomfortable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting for wiringVSAvoidoperator working position
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary support device that temporarily holds the patch panel in a horizontal position during wiring operations. This mediator allows operators to access the back of connectors without inverting the panel, providing both proper lighting conditions and comfortable working positions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the patch panel is fixed upside down on the mounting posts, then the wiring can be performed, but the patch panel must be disassembled again to fix it in place

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to connectorsVSAvoidassembly and disassembly operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The support device enables preliminary wiring actions to be performed on the patch panel while it is temporarily supported in an accessible position. The panel is wired in this preliminary state, then subsequently mounted permanently on the mounting posts, eliminating the need for disassembly and remounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the patch panel is supported during wiring, then the operator can work in a comfortable position, but additional support structure is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator working positionVSAvoidsupport structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is segmented into separate components: a support element that provides the bearing surface and a locking mechanism that secures the patch panel. This segmentation allows the support function to be added without significantly increasing overall system complexity, as each component performs a specific function independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2805524B1Support device used for the wiring of a patch panel in a patch closet
Publication Date: 2015.12.02 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP2805524B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2805524B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2805524B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a support device used for the wiring of a patch panel in a patch closet, said patch closet comprising a first mounting post (10a) and a second mounting post (10b), parallel to one another and each provided with a plurality of mounting locations staggered along the lengths thereof, said device comprising a first support member (30a) intended to be fixed to the first mounting post (10a) and a second support member (30b) intended to be fixed to the second mounting post (10b), each support member comprising at least one support surface against which the patch panel can lie, and blocking means intended to engage with the patch panel so as to clamp the patch panel in the plane defined by the support surfaces.