Unified Power Data Cable Connector Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The stacked arrangement of network switches in data networks is hindered by the use of separate and expensive data stacking cables and power stacking cables, leading to installation errors and network downtime due to increased complexity and electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A unified power and data cable solution that combines data transmission paths with power transmission paths, using a dielectric layer to shield data from electromagnetic interference, and connectors that separate and translate the unified cable geometry for secure mating with device ports, reducing the number of cables and potential errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate data stacking cables and power stacking cables are used to connect network switches in a stacked arrangement, then data transmission and power redundancy are enabled, but the number of cables increases leading to installation errors and network downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate data stacking cables and power stacking cables into a single unified cable assembly. This unified cable contains both data transmission conductors and power transmission conductors, reducing the total number of cables needed to connect network switches in a stacked arrangement. The connector integrates both data and power connection functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate cables and reducing installation complexity and potential errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified cable and connector serve multiple functions simultaneously: data transmission, power transmission, and electromagnetic shielding. The connector is designed to provide both data connectivity and power delivery through a single interface, making it a multi-functional component that replaces what previously required separate specialized cables for each function.
2Reliability
If separate data stacking cables and power stacking cables are used, then data and power transmission are achieved, but electromagnetic interference affects data integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a shielding layer as an intermediary between the power transmission conductors and data transmission conductors within the unified cable. This shielding layer acts as a mediator that blocks electromagnetic interference from the power lines from affecting the data lines, thereby protecting data integrity while allowing both power and data to be transmitted through the same cable assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate cables are used for stacking network switches, then functional capacity is provided, but upfront capital expense and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate cable functions into a single unified cable assembly, reducing the quantity of cable material needed. By combining data and power transmission capabilities into one cable, the solution reduces both the physical amount of cable required and the associated installation costs, while maintaining the network's scaling flexibility through the unified interface.
4Reliability
If separate data and power cables are used in stacked arrangement, then redundancy is achieved, but installation complexity and potential for installation errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate data and power cable installations into a single unified cable installation process. The unified connector integrates both data and power connection functions, allowing installation personnel to complete both connections simultaneously through one mating operation, thereby reducing installation complexity and minimizing the opportunity for installation errors while maintaining power redundancy capabilities.
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
This solution reduces infrastructure costs, minimizes installation errors, and ensures continuous network operation by rerouting power and data through adjacent switches in case of failure, while maintaining high-frequency packet traffic integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric layer to shield data from electromagnetic interference
Data Source
AI summary
In one implementation, a device includes: one or more data terminals, where each of the one or more data terminals provides a respective mating interface between a respective data transmission path and a corresponding device data port; a first power terminal having a power portion and a ground portion separated by a dielectric, where the ground portion is arranged in association with the one or more data terminals in order to shield the one or more data terminals from electromagnetic interference from the power portion, and where the first power terminal provides a respective mating interface between a respective power transmission path and a corresponding device power port; and a support member provided to maintain the arrangement of the one or more data terminals in combination with the first power terminal.