RJ-45 Outlet Shutter and Wire Manager for Clean Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RJ-45 type outlets are prone to debris and foreign object insertion, and wire termination is difficult and time-consuming due to the lack of effective protection mechanisms and terminal blocks.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a locking shutter subassembly to prevent debris and foreign objects from entering the plug-receiving opening and a wire manager system for easy cable termination, eliminating the need for terminal blocks by using a guide sleeve and housing doors to position wires correctly for connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional RJ-45 outlet includes an open plug-receiving opening, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors (debris and foreign objects) can enter the outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is positioned in advance to cover the plug-receiving opening before any insertion occurs. The shutter acts as a preliminary protective barrier that is only opened when needed, preventing debris and foreign objects from entering the outlet during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter mechanism serves as an intermediary element between the external environment and the plug-receiving opening. This intermediate component allows controlled access while blocking harmful factors, enabling the outlet to remain protected while still permitting legitimate plug insertion when the shutter is opened.
2Reliability
If a conventional outlet includes a terminal block with slots for wire termination, then electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional terminal block component entirely from the outlet design. Wire termination is achieved through alternative means that integrate directly into the outlet housing, eliminating the separate terminal block assembly and its associated complexity while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire termination function is merged with the outlet housing structure itself. The housing incorporates features that directly facilitate wire insertion and electrical connection, combining what were previously separate functions (housing and terminal block) into a unified structure that reduces overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If wire termination is performed without a terminal block, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and wire positioning difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet housing incorporates localized features at specific positions where wires need to be terminated. These local structural elements provide precise positioning and guidance for wire insertion at the exact locations where electrical connections are needed, ensuring manufacturing precision without requiring a separate terminal block.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is pre-configured with integrated wire management features during manufacturing. Wire guides, positioning ribs, and termination structures are built into the housing before final assembly, establishing precise wire paths and positions in advance to facilitate accurate wire termination without complex terminal blocks.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication outlet for terminating a communication cable comprising a plurality of wires and a cable shield. The outlet comprises a plurality of wire contacts and a wire manager having an open-ended passageway and a plurality of wire channels adjacent one end of the passageway. The passageway is configured to receive the communication cable therein. The plurality of wire channels is configured to receive the plurality of wires and position the plurality of wires to form electrical connections with the plurality of wire contacts. The communication outlet further comprises an electrically conductive housing. the wire manager is positionable inside the housing and comprising at least one conductive member at least partially positioned inside the passageway. The at least one conductive member electrically connects the cable shield with the housing when the wire manager is positioned inside the housing and the cable is received inside the passageway.