Telecom Panel Ground Bus Bar for Modular Jacks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patching equipment in telecommunications systems faces challenges in effectively and cost-efficiently grounding multiple electrical components, which is crucial for protection but often not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A patch panel system with modular jacks and a ground bus bar configuration that allows for interchangeable mounting of various types of jacks, including UTP and STP jacks, with a ground wire that directly contacts the modular jacks for secure grounding, and a panel frame with retaining features and latching elements for secure installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple electrical components are mounted in a dense configuration on patch panels, then the patching equipment can handle more connections and improve productivity, but the grounding complexity and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capacityVSAvoidgrounding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple grounding functions are merged into a single ground bus bar structure. The ground bus bar integrates multiple grounding points and electrical pathways into one consolidated component, allowing numerous electrical components to be grounded through this single unified structure rather than requiring separate grounding solutions for each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ground bus bar serves multiple grounding functions simultaneously. It provides grounding connections for various types of electrical components (connectors, jacks, modules) mounted on the patch panel, acting as a universal grounding solution that handles diverse grounding needs through a single multi-functional element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional grounding methods are used for multiple electrical components, then individual grounding can be achieved, but the cost and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrounding effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ground bus bar is pre-configured with multiple grounding points and electrical pathways before installation. This preliminary preparation allows installers to quickly connect multiple electrical components to grounding without performing complex grounding operations for each component individually, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining grounding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The ground bus bar design enables self-grounding capabilities where the structure itself provides the grounding pathway. Electrical components connect to the ground bus bar which automatically provides the grounding connection, eliminating the need for additional grounding wires or complex grounding installations for each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If a single grounding solution is used for all electrical components, then cost and complexity are reduced, but grounding effectiveness for each component may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidgrounding effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ground bus bar provides localized grounding points positioned at specific locations along its length. Each electrical component can connect to the ground bus bar at its nearest optimal grounding point, ensuring effective grounding for each component's specific location while using a single unified ground bus bar structure throughout the patch panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3707915B1Telecommunications panel with grounding wire
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • EP3707915B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3707915B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3707915B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A telecommunications panel includes a panel frame and a ground wire secured to the panel frame. The ground wire extends longitudinally along the panel frame. The ground wire may be arranged such that modular jacks presses against the ground wire when the modular jacks are received in the panel frame. The ground wire can be made of a tin plated conductive material.