Telecommunications Patching System With Sensor-Based Cord Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In telecommunications patching systems, manual tracing and identification of patch cords are time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to potential misconnections and inaccurate logging of interconnections in telecommunications closets.

Innovation Solution

A telecommunications patching system equipped with sensors at each connector port to detect the presence and unique identifier of patch cords, using technologies like bar codes, RFID tags, or sensing circuits to monitor and log interconnections, enabling automated tracking and identification of patch cords.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual tracing methods are used to identify patch cords, then no additional equipment is required, but the process is time-consuming and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of patch cord identificationVSAvoidtime required for manual tracing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracing with automated sensing systems. Sensors detect unique identifiers (barcodes, RFID tags, or electrical signals) on patch cords to automatically identify connections, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and physical tracing through cable trays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices between the technician and the patch cord identification process. These sensors detect unique identifiers on patch cords and transmit connection information to a database, serving as a mediator that automates the identification process while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If manual tracing methods are used, then system complexity is minimized, but error rates increase and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of patch cord identificationVSAvoidcomplexity of identification system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual tracing operations with automated sensing systems. Sensors detect unique identifiers (barcodes, RFID tags, or electrical signals) on patch cords to automatically identify connections, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection and physical tracing through cable trays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-identification of patch cord connections through automated sensing. The sensors and database automatically track and record connection information without requiring technician intervention for tracing, allowing the system to service itself in terms of connection management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If log updates are performed manually, then equipment cost is minimized, but log accuracy deteriorates over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of connection recordsVSAvoidcomplexity of logging system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously detect patch cord connections and automatically update the database. This closed-loop system ensures the connection log remains synchronized with the actual physical connections, preventing the accuracy degradation that occurs with manual logging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9160117B2Telecommunications patching system that facilitates detection and identification of patch cords

Publication Date: 2015.10.13 COMMSCOPE NORTH CAROLINA LLC

AI summary

A telecommunications patching system includes a patch panel comprising a plurality of connector ports and a plurality of patch cords configured to selectively interconnect pairs of the connector ports. Each patch cord has opposite ends and a respective connector secured to each end that is configured to be removably secured within a connector port. The connectors of a respective patch cord have the same unique identifier associated therewith. A first sensor is located at each connector port and detects when a patch cord connector is inserted within, and removed from, a respective connector port. A second sensor is located at each connector port and reads the identifier of a patch cord connector inserted within a respective connector port. The first and second sensors are in communication with a controller that monitors and logs patch cord interconnections with the connector ports.