Telecommunication Equipment Mounting Screw Grounding Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing grounding arrangements in modular telecommunication equipment can limit the positioning of devices with different physical dimensions due to the fixed location of separate grounding connectors and mounting screws, which can interfere with the installation of certain devices.
Innovation Solution
The mounting screws of the telecommunication devices are designed to function as both mounting and grounding connectors, eliminating the need for separate grounding connectors and allowing for secure grounding without altering the screw's position, thus enabling flexible device placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate grounding connectors and mounting screws are used, then grounding function is provided, but device positioning flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the grounding connector and mounting screw into a single integrated component. The mounting screw head is designed with a grounding contact surface that provides electrical connection to the rack while simultaneously serving as the mounting fastener. This eliminates the need for separate grounding connectors and allows telecommunication devices of various dimensions to be positioned flexibly without being constrained by fixed grounding connector locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting screw is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical fastening of the telecommunication device to the rack and electrical grounding connection. The head of the mounting screw incorporates a grounding contact surface that enables it to serve as both a fastener and a grounding connector, providing universal applicability across different device configurations and sizes.
2Reliability
If separate grounding connectors are installed, then grounding protection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the grounding connector and mounting screw into a single component, reducing the number of parts in the grounding arrangement. The mounting screw head is designed with an integrated grounding contact surface, eliminating the need for separate grounding connectors and simplifying the overall grounding system while maintaining effective grounding protection.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
Telecommunication equipment comprises a rack (101) and telecommunication de- vices (104-107) attached to the rack with mounting screws (108, 109). A head of at least one of the mounting screws is shaped to constitute a grounding connector so that a connector terminal (113) of a grounding cable (114) is connectable to the grounding connector without loosening, detaching, or otherwise changing the position of the mounting screw. The other end of the grounding cable is connectable for example to clothes of a maintenance person so as to prevent static electricity from damaging electronic components of the telecommunication devices during maintenance work. There is no need for a separate grounding connector and its mounting screw because the at least one mounting screw of the telecommunication devices is arranged to act not only as the mounting screw but also as the grounding connector.