Cable carrier for an electrical power system

Abstract

The cable carrier may include: a frame; a first leg extending from a first end of the frame; and a second leg extending from a second end of the frame opposite the first end. The cable carrier may also include a first bracket mounted on the first flange of the first leg; and a second bracket mounted on the second flange of the second leg. The first surface of the frame may include at least one channel configured to guide at least one cable.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of Indian provisional patent application serial number 202321070763, filed on October 17, 2023, entitled “ACable Carrier For A Power System,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to cable installation and management in equipment racks or enclosures. Background Art

[0004] The following background information is related to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

[0005] Typically, in a server room or data center, a large number of power systems are arranged in racks or racks. These power systems are stacked and securely fastened together using paired mounting devices, one mounting device on each side. These mounting devices are also used to securely attach cable guides thereto. In addition, each power system is configured with at least one cabinet, in which electronic components such as controllers, electromechanical devices such as circuit breakers, or any electrical equipment can be easily inserted and removed depending on the function of the power system. The controller or any other electromechanical device and power system are configured with multiple ports at the front and back, which facilitate connection through an extensive cable network.

[0006] Conventionally, cables coming out of various ports (whether from a controller interface port or from a circuit breaker or any other device from a power system) are guided and secured to cable guides using multiple sealing tags. Therefore, when a controller or any other electronic component (e.g., a circuit breaker) needs to be replaced from a cabinet of the power system, it becomes cumbersome to do so without disassembling the cable guides.

[0007] Furthermore, removing a controller or any other electronic component from a power system may require shutting down the power system, breaking a sealing label, unplugging a cable from a port, and / or removing a cable guide from its mounting device. This process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, resulting in increased system downtime. Additionally, assembling conventional cable guides may be inconvenient and challenging, especially when reconfiguring cables on the cable guides.

[0008] Furthermore, it is critical to maintain the integrity of the cable during routing through or over the cable guides. However, frequent assembly and disassembly of conventional guides on mounting devices can cause the cable to bend or kink beyond the minimum allowable bend radius, potentially causing permanent damage to the cable and affecting its performance.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a cable carrier for an electrical power system that alleviates the above-mentioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0010] Aspects of the disclosed embodiments include a cable carrier. The cable carrier may include: a frame; a first leg extending from a first end of the frame; and a second leg extending from a second end of the frame opposite the first end. The cable carrier may also include: a first bracket mounted on a first flange of the first leg; and a second bracket mounted on a second flange of the second leg. The first surface of the frame may include at least one channel configured to guide at least one cable.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first leg extends from the first end in a first direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second leg extends from the second end in the first direction.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first leg, the second leg, and the frame define a U-shaped configuration.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first surface of the frame includes a plurality of clamps disposed thereon, the plurality of clamps being configured to at least retain at least one cable.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first surface of the first leg includes at least one channel configured to guide at least one of the at least one cable or the at least one other cable.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first surface of the first leg is adjacent to the first surface of the frame.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first surface of the first leg includes a plurality of clamps disposed thereon, the plurality of clamps configured to retain at least one of the at least one cable and the at least one other cable.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first surface of the second leg includes at least one channel configured to guide at least one of the at least one cable or the at least one other cable.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first surface of the second leg is adjacent to the first surface of the frame and faces the first surface of the first leg.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first surface of the second leg includes a plurality of clamps disposed thereon, the plurality of clamps configured to retain at least one of the at least one cable and the at least one other cable.

[0021] In some embodiments, the frame is configured to pivot about a common axis of the first bracket and the second bracket.

[0022] In some embodiments, the frame is configured to lock at an angle relative to the first bracket and the second bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] A cable carrier for an electric power system of the present disclosure will now be described with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 A conventional arrangement (prior art) for mounting a plurality of cables on a power system arranged on a rack or frame is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 A conventional cable guide arrangement (prior art) for routing and installing cables on an electrical power system is shown.

[0026] Figure 3 An arrangement of a cable carrier for routing and installing cables installed on an electric power system according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] FIG. 4 a shows an exploded view of a cable carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 4 b shows an arrangement for rotating a frame of a cable carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 5 An upward rotation of a frame of a cable carrier when assembling or disassembling electronic components within a cabinet of an electric power system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 6 An upward and downward rotation of a frame of a cable carrier when assembling or disassembling at least one electronic component within a cabinet of an electric power system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 7 The routing and mounting of cables on a frame of a cable carrier is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to example embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In this regard, example embodiments may have different forms and may not be construed as being limited to the descriptions set forth herein.

[0033] It should be understood that when used in this specification, the terms “include,” “including,” “comprise” and / or “comprising” specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0034] It should also be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts may not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part.

[0035] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Expressions such as "at least one of" when preceding a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and do not modify the individual elements of the list.

[0036] Various terms are used to refer to specific system components. Different companies may refer to a component by different names—this document is not intended to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function.

[0037] Matters of these exemplary embodiments that are obvious to one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which these exemplary embodiments belong may not be described in detail herein.

[0038] It is to be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein may be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for limiting purposes. Descriptions of features or aspects within each exemplary embodiment may be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other exemplary embodiments.

[0039] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein may be configured to provide a cable carrier for an electric power system. The cable carrier may be configured to effectively guide the cable without causing bending or kinking of the cable. The cable carrier may be configured to facilitate the rotation of the frame of the cable carrier during the assembly of at least one electronic component into or removal from the electric power system. The cable carrier may be configured to reduce the shutdown time of the electric power system. The cable carrier may be configured to reduce the time of assembling at least one electronic component into or removal from the electric power system. The cable carrier may be configured to simplify maintenance and improve maintainability. The cable carrier may be configured to extend the life of the cable. The cable carrier may be configured to be assembled with an existing electric power system. The cable carrier may be configured to be easy to operate. The cable carrier may be configured to facilitate easy access to a cabinet of the electric power system. The cable carrier may be configured to be easy to assemble.

[0040] Typically, the power system 10 interface is configured with multiple ports at the front and rear that facilitate connection through an extensive cable network. Cables coming out of the various ports are guided and secured to the cable guide using multiple sealing tags 20 . Figure 1 A conventional arrangement 100' is shown for mounting a plurality of cables on a power system arranged on a rack 18 or chassis 18. Therefore, when a controller or any other electronic component 22 (such as a circuit breaker, for example) needs to be replaced from a cabinet of the power system 10, it becomes cumbersome to do so without removing the cable guides.

[0041] Furthermore, removing the controller 22 or any other electronic component from the power system 10 may require shutting down the power system 10, breaking the sealing label, unplugging the cable from the port, and / or removing the cable guide from its mounting device. This process is time-consuming and labor-intensive, resulting in increased system downtime. In addition, assembling conventional cable guides may be inconvenient and challenging, especially when reconfiguring cables on the cable guides. Figure 2 A conventional cable guide arrangement for routing and installing cables on a variety of power systems is shown.

[0042] Furthermore, it is critical to maintain the integrity of the cable during routing through or over the cable guides. However, frequent assembly and disassembly of conventional guides on mounting device 12' can cause the cable to bend or kink beyond the minimum allowable bend radius, potentially causing permanent damage to the cable and affecting its performance.

[0043] Therefore, the present disclosure contemplates a cable carrier 16 (hereinafter carrier 16) for routing and installing cables relative to the power system 10. The carrier 16 may be configured to effectively guide the cables without causing bending or kinking of the cables.

[0044] The carrier 16 may be configured to facilitate rotation of a frame of the carrier 16 during assembly or disassembly of at least one electronic component in the power system 10. The carrier 16 may be configured to reduce shutdown time of the power system 10. The carrier 16 may be configured to reduce assembly and disassembly time of at least one electronic component in the power system 10. The carrier 16 may be configured to simplify maintenance and may improve maintainability. The carrier 16 may be configured to reduce system downtime.

[0045] The carrier 16 can be configured to extend cable life. The carrier 16 can be configured to be assembled on an existing power system. The carrier 16 can be configured to be easy to operate. The carrier 16 can be configured to facilitate easy access to a cabinet of a power system. The carrier 16 can be configured to be easy to assemble.

[0046] Figure 3 4 shows an arrangement of a cable carrier 16 for routing and installing cables relative to a plurality of power systems, and FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the cable carrier 16 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] A plurality of power systems are stacked and mounted one above the other by means of at least one mounting device 12. The mounting device 12 may be provided with a flange portion extending from an operating end of the mounting device 12. The flange portion of the mounting device 12 is provided with at least one pair of holes.

[0048] In an embodiment, the mounting means is selected from the group of brackets 16c comprising metal brackets 16c or fiber reinforced plastic brackets 16c or any combination thereof.

[0049] As generally shown in FIG. 4a , the cable carrier 16 may include: a frame 16a portion having a pair of legs 16b; and a pair of brackets 16c. Each of the legs 16b extends laterally from either end of the frame 16a to define a U-shaped configuration. In addition, each of the brackets 16c may be configured to be mounted on an operating portion of the legs 16b. The operating portion of the brackets 16c may be configured to be mounted on a flange to route and mount cables thereon.

[0050] In an embodiment, the interior operating surfaces of the frame 16a and the legs 16b may be configured with channels to guide the cables 24 therethrough.

[0051] In an embodiment, the inner operating surfaces of the frame 16a and the legs 16b may be configured with a plurality of clips to hold different cables thereon.

[0052] In an embodiment, the frame 16a holds the different cables 24 by means of a plurality of sealing labels. Thus, the frame 16a carries the different cables 24 thereon.

[0053] In an embodiment, each of the brackets 16c may be configured with a first set of holes 16d, a second set of holes 16e, and a third set of holes 16f.

[0054] In an embodiment, each of the legs 16b may be configured with a fourth hole 16g. The fourth hole 16g of the leg 16b coincides with the third hole 16f of the bracket 16c to receive a fastening device therein. Thus, in an operational configuration, the frame 16a is rotated about the common axis of the bracket 16c to adjust the angular displacement of the frame. FIG4b shows an arrangement for rotating a frame of a cable carrier according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] In an embodiment, each of the legs 16b may be configured with a set of fifth set of holes 16h. The frame may be configured to be pivotally mounted on the operating portion of the bracket. Therefore, in the rotational or pivotal configuration of the frame 16a, at least one of the fifth set of holes 16h coincides with at least one first set of holes 16d to enable locking of the frame 16a at any desired angle or in a rotational configuration. Therefore, it facilitates easy removal or insertion of the electronic component 22 from the power system 10 or insertion into the power system 10. Therefore, the frame 16a or the cable carrier 16 may not need to be removed during the removal or insertion of the electronic component 22 from the power system 10 or insertion into the power system 10. Advantageously, the cable carrier 16 of the present disclosure thus avoids bending or kinking of the cable 24 and thus prolongs the cable life.

[0056] In an embodiment, the locking of the frame 16a on the bracket 16c at any desired angle can be performed by means of a locking pin. The locking pin is inserted through the first set of holes 16d of the bracket to pass through the fifth set of holes 16h of the legs of the frame.

[0057] In an embodiment, the frame 16a may be configured to rotate upward or downward about the axis of the bracket 16c.

[0058] Advantageously, the rotational motion of the frame 16a of the cable carrier 16 enables assembly or disassembly of electronic components or controllers or any other system equipment without removing the cable carrier 16 from the power system 10. Thus, the cable carrier 16 of the present disclosure reduces assembly and disassembly time of at least one electronic component on the power system, and thus simplifies maintenance and improves maintainability. Figure 5 The upward rotation of the frame of the cable carrier is shown when assembling or disassembling electronic components in a cabinet of an electric power system. Figure 6 An upward and downward rotation of a frame of a cable carrier when assembling or disassembling at least one electronic component within a cabinet of an electric power system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0059] In an embodiment, the inner operating surfaces of the frame 16a and the legs 16b are provided with channels to guide the various cables thereon.

[0060] In an embodiment, the cable carrier 16 may be selected from the group of materials comprising mild steel or iron or any kind of carbon steel or permitted steel. In an embodiment, the cable carrier 16 may be made of polymeric material or composite material or any combination thereof.

[0061] Advantageously, the cable carrier 16 of the present disclosure thus efficiently routes and installs different cables 24 by planning an environment that can address current as well as future and changing needs. Figure 7 The routing and mounting of cables on a frame of a cable carrier is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for illustrative purposes, and the foregoing description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The various components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure.The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.

[0064] In the following description, the embodiments herein and their various features and advantageous details are described with reference to non-limiting embodiments. Descriptions of known components and processing techniques are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended only to facilitate understanding of the manner in which the embodiments herein may be practiced, and also to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Therefore, these examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0065] The foregoing description of specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can easily modify such specific embodiments and / or adapt them to various applications by applying current knowledge without departing from the overall concept, and therefore, such adaptations and modifications should be intended to be understood within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the words or terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and not restrictive. Therefore, although the embodiments herein have been described according to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0066] Any discussion of devices, articles and the like that has been included in this specification is for the purpose of providing a context for the present disclosure only. This should not be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of this application.

[0067] Although considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that many embodiments may be made and many changes may be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiments and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it will be clearly understood that the foregoing descriptive content is to be construed merely as an illustration of the present disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

1. A cable carrier, comprising: frame; a first leg extending from a first end of the frame; a second leg extending from a second end of the frame opposite the first end; a first bracket mounted on the first flange of the first leg; as well as A second bracket is mounted on the second flange of the second leg, wherein the first surface of the frame includes at least one channel configured to guide at least one cable.

2. The cable carrier according to claim 1, wherein: The first leg extends from the first end in a first direction.

3. The cable carrier according to claim 2, wherein: The second leg extends from the second end along the first direction.

4. The cable carrier according to claim 1, wherein: The first leg, the second leg, and the frame define a U-shaped configuration.

5. The cable carrier according to claim 1, wherein: The first surface of the frame includes a plurality of clamps disposed thereon, the plurality of clamps being configured to at least retain the at least one cable.

6. The cable carrier according to claim 1, wherein: The first surface of the first leg includes at least one channel configured to guide at least one of the at least one cable or at least one other cable.

7. The cable carrier according to claim 6, wherein: The first surface of the first leg is adjacent to the first surface of the frame.

8. The cable carrier according to claim 6, wherein: The first surface of the first leg includes a plurality of clamps disposed thereon, the plurality of clamps configured to retain at least one of the at least one cable and the at least one other cable.

9. The cable carrier according to claim 1, wherein: The first surface of the second leg includes at least one channel configured to guide at least one of the at least one cable or at least one other cable.

10. The cable carrier according to claim 9, wherein: The first surface of the second leg is adjacent to the first surface of the frame and faces the first surface of the first leg.

11. The cable carrier according to claim 9, wherein: The first surface of the second leg includes a plurality of clamps disposed thereon, the plurality of clamps configured to retain at least one of the at least one cable and the at least one other cable.

12. The cable carrier according to claim 1, wherein: The frame is configured to pivot about a common axis of the first bracket and the second bracket.

13. The cable carrier according to claim 1, wherein: The frame is configured to be locked at an angle relative to the first bracket and the second bracket.

14. An apparatus comprising: frame; at least one leg extending from an end of the frame; as well as At least one bracket is mounted on the flange of the at least one leg, wherein the first surface of the frame includes at least one channel configured to guide at least one cable.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The first surface of the frame includes a plurality of clamps disposed thereon, the plurality of clamps being configured to at least retain the at least one cable.

16. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The first surface of the at least one leg includes at least one channel configured to guide at least one of the at least one cable or at least one other cable.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The first surface of the at least one leg is adjacent to the first surface of the frame.

18. The device according to claim 16, wherein: The first surface of the at least one leg includes a plurality of clamps disposed thereon, the plurality of clamps configured to retain at least one of the at least one cable and the at least one other cable.

19. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The frame is configured to pivot about a common axis of the at least one bracket.

20. The device according to claim 14, wherein: The frame is configured to be locked at an angle relative to the at least one bracket.

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