Telecommunications Filter Device with Micro Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing service specific front plates (SSFPs) for VDSL2 installations prevent xDSL modems from being connected to POTS extension wiring, causing confusion and requiring unnecessary installations when converting back to ADSL, and limit flexibility in modem placement due to filtered data extension cables.

Innovation Solution

A telecommunications filter device with a micro switch that activates filtering components only when a data plug is inserted, allowing unfiltered signals to be presented to telephone ports and filtered signals to data ports, enabling easy use of previous xDSL microfilters and flexible modem placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a VDSL2 service specific front plate with filtered telephony port is installed, then VDSL2 signal isolation is improved, but xDSL modem connectivity to extension wiring is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVDSL2 signal isolationVSAvoidxDSL modem connectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filter device incorporates a micro switch that dynamically changes the filtering state based on whether a data plug is inserted into the data port. When no data plug is present, the micro switch opens, allowing unfiltered signals to pass to the telephony port and extension wiring, enabling xDSL connectivity. When a data plug is inserted, the micro switch closes, activating the filter to isolate VDSL2 signals. This dynamic switching mechanism allows the same device to adapt to different service requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If filtering components are always active in the telephony port, then POTS signal isolation from DSL interference is improved, but flexibility in modem placement and service conversion is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePOTS signal isolationVSAvoidService conversion flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter device automatically detects the presence of a data plug and self-adjusts its filtering state without requiring manual intervention or configuration. The micro switch is mechanically actuated by the insertion or removal of the data plug, which automatically enables or disables the filter components. This self-service mechanism simplifies service conversion - customers can switch between VDSL2 and xDSL services simply by plugging or unplugging a connector, without needing to reconfigure filters or contact service providers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a data plug is inserted into the data port, then VDSL2 data signal filtering is improved, but telephony signal access is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveVDSL2 data signal isolationVSAvoidTelephony signal access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The filter device segments the signal paths for different services. The micro switch controls separate circuit paths: one for filtered VDSL2 data signals and another for unfiltered POTS telephony signals. When a data plug is inserted, the switch routes the combined signal through the filter to the data port while maintaining a separate unfiltered path to the telephony port. This segmentation allows both VDSL2 and POTS services to operate simultaneously with appropriate filtering applied only where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables seamless conversion back to ADSL without removing adapted faceplates and allows data connections at any phone extension socket, improving customer experience and installation efficiency by re-grading the telephone port based on data plug presence.

Implementation Method 1

a micro switch which is activated by insertion of a data plug into the data port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical contact detection:

Implementation Method 2

The combined DSL and POTS telephone signal is low-pass filtered using what is usually referred to as a 'microfilter', so that voice frequencies (up to around 4KHz) can pass through unaltered to a POTS output, but higher frequencies associated with DSL are filtered out

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP2415251B1Telecommunications filter device
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 BRITISH TELECOM PLC
  • EP2415251B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2415251B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2415251B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is proposed a filtering device that filters a telecommunications signal and outputs to a telephone and a data port depending on whether a data plug has been inserted into the data port. A micro switch at the data port is activated and brings filtering components in-line when a data plug is inserted, and the filtering components filter the combined telecommunications signal and outputs filtered telephony only signals to the telephone port, and data only signals to the data port. When no data plug is present in the data port, the micro switch is not activated, and the filter is bypassed, thereby presenting unfiltered telephone and data signals to the telephone port as well as any extension sockets connected thereto, but no signals to the data port.