Patch Panel Window Opening for Mixed Adapter Frame Unmounting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional patch panels face difficulties in individually unmounting mounting frames with different port specifications without forcing adjacent frames to be unmounted simultaneously, leading to complex changes and maintenance work due to bundled cords extending over adjacent frames.

Innovation Solution

A patch panel design with a window opening of predetermined length allows for the mounting of frames with different port specifications, featuring a cut-out part with an elastic engaged part and an engaging claw for easy disengagement, enabling individual unmounting of frames with different port specifications from the front side.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mounting frames with different port specifications are mounted side by side on the patch panel, then the patch panel can accommodate various adapters (SC, LC, modular), but bundled cords extend over adjacent mounting frames making individual unmounting difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter compatibilityVSAvoidindividual unmounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cord management function from the mounting frame structure by introducing a separate cord holder that can be independently positioned. This allows cords to be secured at specific locations without interfering with the unmounting of adjacent mounting frames, resolving the conflict between adapter versatility and ease of individual frame removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cord holder as an intermediary component between the mounting frames and cords. This mediator component manages the cords in a way that prevents them from extending over adjacent frames, enabling individual unmounting while maintaining the ability to accommodate various adapters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a unified mounting frame structure is used for all adapters, then manufacturing is simplified, but frames with different port specifications cannot be optimally mounted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting frame productionVSAvoidport specification compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the mounting system into standardized mounting frames with consistent attachment mechanisms and variable cord holders that can be positioned differently. This segmentation allows different port specifications to be accommodated while maintaining uniform manufacturing processes for the core mounting frame components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If cords are bundled tightly to prevent tangling, then cord management is improved, but cords cannot be easily repositioned during maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecord arrangementVSAvoidcord repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic cord management system where the cord holder can be repositioned along the mounting frame. This dynamic capability allows cords to be securely bundled in their initial position while enabling easy repositioning during maintenance or reconfiguration, balancing cord arrangement stability with ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design facilitates smooth and convenient unmounting of frames with different port specifications, reducing the complexity of information wiring changes and maintenance by preventing bundled cords from extending over adjacent frames, thus enhancing usability.

Implementation Method 1

an engaged part (7) having elasticity which is bridged over so as to extend over the inside of the cut-out part (6) in a state where the both ends thereof are fixed to the inside of the lower edge end of the mounting frame (1), and whose center is freely flexible in a vertical direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3396970B1Patch panel
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 SANWA DENKI KOGYO KK
  • EP3396970B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3396970B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3396970B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Provided is a patch panel (11) on which a plurality of mounting frames (1A,1B), to which various kinds of adapters including a LC adapter (Q1) and a SC adapter (Q2) for electrical or optical communication, and a modular adapter (Q3) for telephone are attached by appropriately combining the adapters, are mounted in an insertable manner through a window opening (12) from the front side of the patch panel (11). The patch panel (11) is provided with a window frame (12) set to a predetermined length dimension so that the mounting frames (1A, 1B) having a port specification different from one another can be mounted in a mixed manner in array by a reasonable number.