Patch Panel Connector Housing for Vertical Cable-Free Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing patch bay systems face difficulties in the efficient insertion and extraction of female connectors due to horizontal movement requirements, which can cause tension on cables and make the process cumbersome, especially when trying to extract connectors.
Innovation Solution
A receiving device for female connectors that allows for vertical insertion and extraction, featuring a housing with a hinged cover that opens to provide access for vertical movement, and fixing means that secure the device to the patch panel, enabling easy attachment and detachment without applying tension to the cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If horizontal insertion and extraction method is used, then connectors can be secured with locking mechanism, but cable tension increases and operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional horizontal insertion direction to vertical insertion. The housing is designed with a vertical opening at the top, allowing female connectors to be inserted vertically from above rather than horizontally from the front. This inversion eliminates cable tension issues while maintaining the locking mechanism's securing function, as the connector's locking tab engages with the housing's locking groove during vertical insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the insertion dimension from horizontal (front-to-back) to vertical (top-to-bottom). By positioning the opening at the top of the housing and designing the locking mechanism to engage during vertical movement, the system achieves easier operation without compromising connector security. The cable runs horizontally while insertion occurs vertically, eliminating tension on the cable.
2Reliability
If horizontal insertion is used, then locking mechanism can engage, but extraction requires applying pressure making it tedious
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the insertion direction to vertical, the extraction process also becomes vertical. The locking tab and groove engagement during vertical insertion creates a secure connection that can be easily released by applying minimal upward force, eliminating the tedious horizontal extraction process that required significant pressure application.
3Ease of operation
If vertical insertion is implemented, then cable tension is eliminated, but housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into functional components: a main body, a top opening, and an integrated locking mechanism with a locking groove. This segmentation allows the vertical insertion function to be achieved without requiring a completely new housing design, as the locking groove is simply added to the existing structure to engage with the connector's locking tab during vertical movement.
4Ease of operation
If vertical insertion direction is used, then easier access is achieved, but connector orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional orientation by positioning the opening at the top of the housing rather than at the front. This allows connectors to be accessed vertically from above, improving ease of operation while the connector's plug portion extends downward to maintain proper electrical connection orientation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (4) for receiving a female connector (2) for a patch panel (3), in the form of a housing (40) having a front face (400), side faces (401) and a top face (402), said housing (40) comprising a housing (5) defined by the internal volume between said faces (400,401,402), shaped and dimensioned for the insertion and extraction of at least one female connector (2); means (8) for fixing a patch panel (3) to the front, characterized in that said top face (402) comprises at least one cover (9) hinged from an open position to an overlapping position, and vice versa; in the open position of said at least one hood (9), the top of said at least one housing (5) being accessible for insertion and extraction by sliding in a vertical direction of said female connector (2), as well as a patch panel (3) equipped with at least one such device (4).