Wireless Cable Clamp with Signal Detection and User Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conference room environments, users face challenges when connecting computers to audiovisual equipment due to uncertainties about active signals in cables and unfamiliarity with controllers, leading to delays and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A cable clamp device with a user interface that communicates command/status information via a wireless link, featuring actuators, indicators, and a transceiver to ensure proper signal detection and management, preventing inactive signal connections and simplifying setup processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users manually check cables and use controllers in conference rooms, then connection setup is possible, but time is lost and technical support resources are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp device performs self-detection of signal activity and automatically communicates status information to users via wireless transmission, eliminating the need for manual checking and technical support intervention. The device autonomously determines whether a cable contains an active signal and provides this information to the user's computer.
2Ease of operation
If users attempt to use unfamiliar controllers, then signal routing may be achieved, but delays and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp device acts as an intermediary between the cable and the user's computer, providing automated status information about signal activity. This intermediary function eliminates the need for users to manually operate unfamiliar controllers to determine cable status, as the device automatically detects and communicates this information wirelessly.
3Ease of operation
If users plug cables without knowing signal status, then connection is established, but inactive signals cause problems
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp device performs preliminary detection of signal activity in the cable before the user completes the connection process. By detecting whether the cable contains an active signal and communicating this status to the user's computer in advance, the device allows users to make informed connection decisions without risking inactive signal problems.
4Reliability
If technical support personnel are dispatched to resolve connection issues, then problems are fixed, but valuable resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp device provides real-time feedback to the user's computer about cable signal status through wireless communication. This feedback mechanism enables users to independently verify whether a cable contains an active signal, preventing connection problems that would otherwise require technical support intervention and resource consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
In an illustrative embodiment, a cable clamp (100) comprises a first half member (110) and a second half member (115). Each of the half members comprises first and second mating surfaces (120, 125), and interior and exterior surfaces (130, 135). The half members are connected at the first mating surfaces thereof such that the half members form a passageway (140) for receiving a cable (145) therethrough. The clamp further comprises at least one actuator (150) disposed on one of the exterior surfaces, at least one indicator (155) disposed on one of the exterior surfaces, and a transceiver (160) configured to transmit data regarding the at least one actuator and to receive data regarding the indicator via a wireless link.