RFID Patch Cord Identification for Telecommunications Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

In telecommunications patching systems, manual tracing of patch cords is time-consuming, prone to errors, and often inaccurately logged, leading to misconnected lines and difficulties in identifying correct ports for connections.

Innovation Solution

Integration of RFID technology, where patch cords with unique RFID tags and associated RF antennas allow for rapid and accurate tracing and logging of connections, ensuring precise identification of patch cord ends and connected ports within the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual tracing methods are used to identify patch cord connections, then the system requires no additional hardware, but the tracing process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetracing speedVSAvoidtime to trace patch cords

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracing with automated RFID detection. RF antennas emit electromagnetic signals that trigger RFID tags on patch cord connectors to transmit their identifiers, allowing technicians to instantly identify connection points without physically tracing cables through walls and ceilings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary devices attached to patch cord connectors. These tags serve as mediators between the patch cord system and the detection system, enabling automatic identification by storing and transmitting connector identifiers when activated by RF antennas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If manual tracing is performed to locate patch cord ends, then no additional identification technology is needed, but accuracy decreases and errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidconnection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces error-prone manual visual inspection and physical tracing with automated RFID-based identification. The system automatically detects and displays connector identifiers, eliminating human errors in reading and recording connection information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through the detection system that provides real-time confirmation of patch cord connections. When an RF antenna detects an RFID tag, the system immediately provides feedback by displaying the connector identifier, allowing technicians to verify connections accurately without manual verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If paper or computer-based logging is used to record patch cord interconnections, then the system remains simple, but the logs become inaccurate and outdated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelogging accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service logging where the RFID tags automatically provide their identifiers to the detection system, which then records the connection information. The system serves itself by automatically capturing and storing connection data without requiring manual data entry, ensuring logs remain accurate and up-to-date.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual logging processes with automated electronic recording. Instead of technicians manually writing down or entering connection information, the detection system automatically captures RFID tag identifiers and stores them in a database, eliminating transcription errors and ensuring accurate records.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates quick and accurate tracing and identification of patch cords, reducing errors and improving efficiency in maintaining and updating telecommunications patching systems.

Implementation Method 1

The RF antenna associated with a patch panel connector port emits RF signals that are configured to cause a patch cord connector RFID tag to transmit its identifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF signal emission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

cause a patch cord connector RFID tag to transmit its identifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID tag transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS7605707B2Telecommunications patching system that utilizes RFID tags to detect and identify patch cord interconnections

Publication Date: 2009.10.20 COMMSCOPE NORTH CAROLINA LLC

AI summary

A telecommunications patching system includes a patch panel having a plurality of connector ports, and having an RFID reader and RF antennas associated with the connector ports. A plurality of patch cords are 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. Each connector of a respective patch cord includes an RFID tag. The RFID tags for a respective patch cord have the same unique identifier stored therewithin. The RF antenna associated with a connector port emits RF signals that cause a patch cord connector RFID tag to transmit its identifier. Each RF antenna detects the transmitted identifier of a patch cord connector RFID tag when the respective patch cord connector is inserted within, and removed from, a respective one of the connector ports.