Intelligent Patching Shelf Cover for Ribbon Cable Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
In densely populated communication patching systems, retrofitting with intelligent functionality is challenging due to limited space, making it difficult to thread ribbon cables between the rear and front of the patching system without disconnecting existing connections.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a shelf cover with an engagement projection to capture and route a ribbon cable from the rear to the front of the patching shelf unit, allowing the cable to be connected to an intelligent patching module without disconnecting current connections, using a retracted and extended position of the shelf cover to facilitate cable routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the patching system is densely populated with existing connections, then the space utilization is improved, but the difficulty of threading ribbon cables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf cover is designed with an integrated engagement structure that protrudes beyond the rear face, allowing the ribbon cable to be captured and routed through the shelf unit before the intelligent patching module is attached. This preliminary routing action eliminates the need to thread cables through densely populated areas later.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement structure on the shelf cover acts as an intermediary element that facilitates cable routing. It provides a dedicated pathway and capture point for the ribbon cable, mediating between the rear cable entry point and the front connection points without requiring manual threading through crowded spaces.
2Reliability
If existing connections are maintained during retrofitting, then the system reliability is improved, but the complexity of installing intelligent functionality increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retrofitting process is segmented into distinct steps: first routing the cable through the engagement structure, then attaching the intelligent patching module. This segmentation allows existing connections to remain undisturbed while the new functionality is added through a separate, organized installation sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement structure serves as an intermediary that separates the cable routing function from the module attachment function. This mediation simplifies the overall retrofitting process by providing a dedicated cable management mechanism that is independent of the intelligent module installation.
3Ease of operation
If the shelf cover is made movable to facilitate cable routing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf cover is designed with movable capability, allowing it to be shifted or adjusted during the cable routing process. This dynamic feature enables the engagement structure to be positioned optimally for cable capture and routing, improving ease of operation during installation and maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of retrofitting an existing patching system with an intelligent patching module includes the steps of: providing at least one patching shelf unit populated with interconnection sites, the shelf unit including a rear face and an opposing front side; routing a cable between a rear location located rearward of the rear face and the front side; connecting the cable to the intelligent patching module; and attaching the intelligent patching module to the shelf unit.