Replicated Cable Connection Panel for Fast Device Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing cable connectivity during device replacement in large data centers is challenging due to the complexity and number of cables, often requiring tedious and error-prone manual tagging and reconnection processes.

Innovation Solution

Utilizing replicated cable connection panels that mimic the original device's ports, allowing cables to be unplugged and plugged into corresponding structures on the panels, facilitating seamless device replacement without the need for manual tagging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual tagging and reconnection processes are used for cable management during device replacement, then connection accuracy can be maintained, but time consumption and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the copying principle by creating a replicated cable connection panel that exactly mimics the connector layout, labeling, and configuration of the original device. This replica panel allows technicians to organize and label all cables before device replacement, eliminating the need for manual tagging during the actual replacement process while maintaining 100% connection accuracy through the pre-established visual correspondence between the replica and original panels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by performing all cable organization, labeling, and verification operations on the replicated panel before the actual device replacement occurs. This advance preparation ensures that when the device is swapped, cables can be reconnected quickly and accurately by simply following the pre-established layout, dramatically reducing on-site replacement time while maintaining connection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of information

If manual tagging processes are used for cable management, then connection tracking is possible, but operational complexity and error risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection trackingVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By creating a physical replica of the cable connection panel with identical connector arrangements and labeling, the system provides inherent connection tracking without requiring complex manual tagging procedures. The replica panel serves as a visual map that automatically tracks cable connections through its structured layout, reducing operational complexity while maintaining complete connection information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The replicated cable connection panel acts as an intermediary between the old and new devices during replacement. It temporarily holds and organizes all cable connections with clear labeling, serving as a buffer that simplifies the transition process. This intermediary structure maintains connection information in an easily accessible format without requiring complex tracking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If replicated cable connection panels are used, then device replacement speed increases, but initial setup complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice replacement speedVSAvoidinitial setup complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The replicated cable connection panel is created as a simplified copy that mirrors only the essential connector layout and labeling information needed for cable management. By focusing the replica on only the necessary visual and structural elements rather than duplicating the entire device, the initial setup remains manageable while providing substantial benefits for accelerated device replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12620762B2Replicated cable connection panel for device replacement
Publication Date: 2026.05.05 DELL PROD LP
  • US12620762B2 patent drawing
  • US12620762B2 patent drawing
  • US12620762B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus comprises at least one replicated cable connection panel structure configured to replicate a cable connection panel of a device. The apparatus further comprises a set of connection structures mounted on the at least one replicated cable connection panel structure, wherein the set of connection structures replicate a set of connectors of the device, wherein each of the set of connection structures is configured to accommodate a cable that is pluggable into a corresponding one of the set of connectors of the device.