Above-Rack Cable Carrier Layout for Single-Pull Rack Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of cables in server racks is inefficient and poses risks of damage to cables and injury to technicians due to the manual, incremental advancement process, especially in large server rooms where ladder repositioning is frequent.
Innovation Solution
A wire-pulley system with a cable carrier that allows for the lateral movement of cables between server racks, minimizing ladder placements and securing connectors within a versatile carrier that accommodates different cable types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a technician uses a ladder to incrementally advance cables across server racks, then the cables can be positioned at the destination, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires frequent ladder repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
A cable carrier system with pulleys acts as an intermediary mechanism between the technician and the cables. The carrier travels along the cable path above racks, allowing cables to be pulled through the entire distance in one continuous motion without the technician needing to repeatedly climb and reposition ladders at intermediate points.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable installation process moves from a vertical dimension (climbing ladders at different heights) to a horizontal dimension (traveling the carrier along the cable route above racks). This dimensional shift allows the technician to work from a single ground-level position while the carrier handles the horizontal transport of cables across the entire server room.
2Reliability
If a technician repeatedly handles and pulls cables across long distances, then the cables reach the destination, but the cables are at risk of damage due to increased contact and disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The cable carrier serves as a protective intermediary that holds and transports cables through the air above racks. Cables are secured in the carrier during transit, minimizing contact with rack components and reducing disruption. The carrier's structured pathway protects cables from snagging on equipment or being damaged by rough handling during the pulling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable installation process is segmented into distinct phases: loading cables into the carrier at the origin, transporting the carrier along the predefined path, and unloading at the destination. This segmentation reduces the frequency of cable manipulation by consolidating the transport phase into a single continuous operation rather than multiple incremental pulls.
3Productivity
If a technician frequently climbs and descends a ladder to reposition it, then cables can be advanced incrementally, but the risk of injury to the technician increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for vertical ladder access by implementing a horizontal cable transport mechanism that operates above racks. The technician remains on the ground throughout the process, controlling the carrier's movement from a single accessible location. This dimensional change completely removes the safety hazard associated with repeated ladder climbing while maintaining installation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable carrier system is self-propelled or easily movable along its track above racks, requiring minimal physical effort from the technician to advance. The carrier handles its own movement along the cable route, reducing the need for the technician to physically reposition heavy equipment like ladders multiple times during the installation process.
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
Enhances cable installation efficiency, reduces damage to cables, and minimizes technician injury by allowing simultaneous cable advancement without repeated ladder use.
Implementation Method 1
a first pulley wheel and a second pulley wheel... such that a point in the wire is laterally movable between the pulley wheels
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for positioning fiber and electronics cables within a server room, which includes a wire-pulley system which includes a wire operably coupled to a first pulley wheel and a second pulley wheel. The wire is looped around the first and second pulley wheel such that a point in the wire is laterally movable between the first and second pulley wheels when the first and second pulley wheels are rotated. The system for positioning cables includes a cable carrier which is removably coupled to the point in the wire. The cable carrier includes a first panel, and a second panel hingedly coupled to the first panel. The first panel and second panel each include a plurality of receiving slots, where the receiving slots are configured to removably receive a distal end of various cables.