Toolless Communications Jack With Pivoting Toggles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing process of terminating communications cables often requires specialized tools, such as punch down tools, which can be a barrier for technicians and homeowners who do not have access to these tools, making the installation of communications connectors cumbersome and less efficient.
Innovation Solution
A modular communications jack with pivotally coupled toggles that allow for the termination of cable wires without the need for special tools, featuring wire passages and terminal channels that guide wires into electrical contact with IDC terminals as the toggles are pivoted from an open to a closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional IDC terminals with punch down tools are used, then reliable electrical connections are achieved, but the installation process becomes complex and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle mechanism performs the termination function automatically when pivoted to the closed position, eliminating the need for separate punching operations. The terminal and wire passage work together in a self-contained manner where the toggle's movement itself creates the electrical connection without requiring external specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle transitions from an open position (allowing wire insertion) to a closed position (making electrical contact), providing dynamic adaptability during the termination process. This movement enables the same component to serve multiple functions: guiding the wire, making contact, and securing the connection.
2Productivity
If specialized punch down tools are required, then proper wire termination is ensured, but accessibility and installation speed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The jack performs the termination function through its own integrated toggle mechanism without requiring external specialized tools. Any installer can perform the termination by simply manipulating the toggle, making the process accessible to anyone without specialized tool training or equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the specialized tool requirement from the termination process entirely. By integrating the termination function directly into the jack's toggle mechanism, the need for separate punch down tools is completely eliminated, streamlining the installation process.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate steps are used for wire termination, then precise electrical connections are made, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle mechanism merges multiple functions into a single component: wire guidance, electrical contact establishment, and connection securing. By combining these functions into one integrated mechanism that operates through a single pivoting motion, the invention eliminates the need for multiple separate steps while maintaining precise electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire passage is pre-configured to guide the wire into the correct position for electrical contact. The toggle's movement from open to closed position preliminarily positions both the wire and terminal in optimal alignment, ensuring precise connection is achieved automatically as part of the termination motion itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A jack has a housing with terminals extending from opposite sides of a terminal support. Toggles coupled to the housing include passages for receiving cable wires. Closing the toggles engages the terminals and terminates wires inserted in the passages without using a special punch down tool. Viewing apertures in the toggles are connected to the wire passages and let a person see whether wires are fully inserted into the toggles for proper connection to the terminals. In some cases the toggles are pivotally coupled to the housing and adjacent the opposite sides of the terminal support, and insertion ends of the toggles face away from the jack plug opening. The jack can have a modular configuration or an integral mounting plate. A method for terminating wires includes inserting untwisted wire ends into the toggles and pivoting the toggles to intersect the wire ends with electrical terminals.