Thin Pivoting Tool for Extracting Connectors from Dense Network Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Increasing port density in network devices, such as switches, makes it difficult to easily plug and unplug connectors due to the tight spacing of ports, which limits the ability to interconnect more devices without compromising the size of the switch.
Innovation Solution
A handheld tool with a thin, elongate design and prongs is used to pivot and apply force to the connector latches, allowing for easier extraction by fitting into narrow gaps between ports and utilizing anchor points on the device to provide leverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If port density is increased in network devices, then the number of ports per chassis is improved, but the ease of operation for plugging and unplugging connectors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A thin, flat tool is introduced as an intermediary device to interact with the connector latches. The tool fits into narrow gaps between adjacent connectors and applies leverage to the latches, enabling connector removal without requiring direct finger access to the tightly spaced ports. This mediator overcomes the spatial constraints imposed by high port density.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from direct linear access to the latch (which is blocked by tight spacing) to accessing the latch through the gap dimension between adjacent connectors. The thin profile of the tool allows it to be inserted vertically or laterally into the narrow space, providing a new dimensional approach to reaching the latch mechanism.
2Productivity
If port density is increased in network devices, then the interconnection capacity is improved, but the difficulty of extracting connectors worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The thin flat tool serves as a mediator that simplifies the complex task of connector extraction. By providing leverage through the gap between connectors, the tool reduces the operational complexity of removing connectors from high-density ports, maintaining ease of maintenance despite increased interconnection capacity.
3Ease of operation
If the thickness of the tool is reduced to fit narrow gaps, then the ease of operation for connector removal is improved, but the structural strength of the tool may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs a thin, flat blade structure that maintains sufficient structural strength despite its reduced thickness. The blade is designed with appropriate rigidity to apply leverage to the latch while being thin enough to fit into the narrow gaps between adjacent connectors. The geometry and material selection balance flexibility for access with strength for force application.
Data Source
AI summary
Tools for removing connectors from ports in a network device, and related systems and methods. The tool is elongate with at least one prong at a distal end. The tool includes a very slight width relative to either its length or width, such that it can be inserted into a space adjacent a connector disposed in a port, such as between closely spaced adjacent connectors. The at least one prong is received in an anchor point, such as an opening, in the network device. Pivoting the tool applies a compressive force to a latch of the connector, disengaging the latch from its respective catch on the port, after which it can be removed by pulling it out of the port.