Universal Cable Adapter with Interchangeable Connector Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of various pin-outs in telecommunications cables requires technicians to carry multiple converters for different combinations, leading to inconvenience and potential damage during makeshift connections, especially when exotic combinations are needed.
Innovation Solution
A universal cable adapter system with a container, lid, and attachment mechanisms that can reversibly connect input and output wires, allowing for flexible and secure interconnection of cables with varying pin-outs, including a removable connector ledge and terminating mechanisms to prevent accidental connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If technicians carry multiple converters for different pin-out combinations, then connection compatibility is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal adapter system with a single base unit that can accommodate multiple pin-out configurations (DB-9, DB-25, RJ-11, RJ-45, etc.) by using interchangeable connector plates. This eliminates the need for technicians to carry multiple dedicated converters, as one universal adapter can handle all connection types by simply changing the connector plate to match the required configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter system is divided into separable components: a universal base unit and interchangeable connector plates. Each connector plate is designed for a specific pin-out configuration, allowing technicians to select and attach only the required connector type. This segmentation enables the universal adapter to provide multiple functions while maintaining simplicity and portability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If technicians make improvised converters using standard cables, then adaptability is improved, but cable damage and time loss are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector plates are pre-configured with the correct pin-out arrangements for various standards (DB-9, DB-25, RJ-11, RJ-45, etc.). Technicians do not need to experiment with cable connections or determine pin assignments on-site. The pre-configured plates provide immediate, reliable connections, eliminating the need for improvised cable modifications that could damage equipment.
3Reliability
If multiple converters are carried for exotic pin-out combinations, then connection reliability is improved, but weight and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of carrying multiple heavy converters, technicians carry one universal adapter base unit with lightweight interchangeable connector plates. This dramatically reduces the total weight of connection equipment while maintaining the ability to reliably connect any pin-out configuration needed in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
The specific connector functionality is extracted from the main adapter body and placed in separate, lightweight connector plates. This allows the bulk of the connection capability to be stored in the universal base unit, while only thin, lightweight plates need to be exchanged for different connection types, minimizing the weight technicians must carry.
4Adaptability or versatility
If experimentation with cable connections is performed, then adaptability is improved, but time consumption and material waste are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
All pin-out configurations are pre-configured in separate connector plates before the technician arrives on-site. The technician simply selects the appropriate pre-configured plate for the required connection type and attaches it to the universal adapter. This eliminates the need for on-site experimentation, cable cutting, and reconfiguration, dramatically reducing setup time and preventing cable damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for connecting communication cables includes at least an input cable, an output cable, and a cable adapter. The input cable may include a plurality of input wires, each of the plurality of input wires communicatively connected to an input port. The output cable may include a plurality of output wires, each of the plurality of output wires communicatively connected to an output port. The cable adapter may be for communicatively interconnecting the input cable and the output cable. The cable adapter may include a container, a lid and a plurality of attachment mechanisms. The lid may be movably attached to the container. The plurality of attachment mechanisms may be located in the container, each of the plurality of attachment mechanisms capable of communicatively and reversibly connecting one of the plurality of input wires with one of the plurality of output wires.