USB Adapter Kit Standardizing Coupler Fitment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of non-standardized voice and data couplers and jacks from various manufacturers complicates efficient organization and inventory management in office environments, as they do not fit uniformly into standardized plate openings, leading to difficulties in maintaining and utilizing these devices effectively.
Innovation Solution
A voice/data adapter kit is introduced, comprising a base plate with standardized openings and a set of adapters of varying sizes, each releaseably secured to a carrying spline, allowing for the accommodation of different manufacturer's couplers and jacks, ensuring standardized fitment and easy inventory management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If various manufacturers' couplers and jacks are used, then product variety and manufacturer compatibility are improved, but standardization and inventory management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the adapter system into modular components: a standardized base plate with uniform openings and interchangeable adapters of various sizes. Each adapter is designed to fit specific manufacturer couplers/jacks while maintaining a consistent interface with the base plate, allowing separate management of each component type rather than managing complete custom assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized base plate serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of adapters from different manufacturers. The uniform opening design allows any adapter to be mounted on the same base plate, creating a multi-functional system where one base plate can support various coupler and jack configurations without requiring manufacturer-specific base plates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If various manufacturers' couplers and jacks are used, then product variety and manufacturer compatibility are improved, but fitment standardization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each adapter is designed with specific local dimensions and geometries tailored to fit particular manufacturer couplers/jacks, while maintaining a standardized interface region that connects to the base plate. This allows customization at the adapter level without compromising the standardized fitment at the base plate interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the standardized base plate and the various manufacturer-specific couplers/jacks. It translates between the standardized mounting interface and the proprietary interfaces of different manufacturers, enabling fitment standardization while preserving compatibility with diverse coupler designs.
3Ease of operation
If adapter kit with carrying spline is used, then inventory management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrying spline merges multiple individual adapters into a single integrated carrying unit. Adapters are attached to the spline in a linear arrangement, combining what would otherwise be separate inventory items into one organized assembly that can be stored, transported, and managed as a single unit while maintaining the ability to detach individual adapters when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A USB adapter/connector assembly (200) is adapted for use within an adapter kit (100) to accommodate couplers and jacks of various sizes. The adapter/connector assemblies which may be accommodated include not only the USB assembly (200), but other assemblies such as an HDMI adapter/connector assembly (206).