Adjustable Cable Management Device for Rack Slide Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable management systems for electronic apparatuses in rack systems have fixed connection lengths, limiting usable space and causing inconvenience during cable mounting and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A cable management device with a coupling assembly featuring adjustable length, utilizing extendable and retractable connecting members and detachable mounting members to accommodate varying spacings between the cable management arms and slide rails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed connection length is used between the cable management arm assembly and the slide rail, then the structure is simple, but the usable space is limited and cable arrangement becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusable spaceVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing an adjustable connection length mechanism between the cable management arm assembly and the slide rail. The connecting member can be extended or retracted to different positions, allowing the connection length to vary dynamically based on the required usable space. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the structure to adapt from a fixed state to a variable state, providing both simplicity when not in use and adaptability when adjustment is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the connection length to be adjusted in discrete steps, providing flexibility in cable arrangement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The segmented design enables the system to achieve adaptability without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the connection length between the cable management arm and the slide rail is fixed, then the device complexity is low, but cable management and maintenance accessibility is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidconnecting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable connecting member allows maintenance personnel to extend the connection length to gain better accessibility to cables and components during maintenance operations. The dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to transition from a compact fixed state to an extended maintenance-friendly state, improving ease of operation without permanently increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable connecting member acts as an intermediary element between the cable management arm and the slide rail. By providing adjustable length, it mediates the spatial relationship between these components, enabling improved maintenance accessibility while maintaining a relatively simple connection mechanism that can be reconfigured as needed rather than requiring a permanently complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable connection length mechanism is implemented, then cable arrangement flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidcable management device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable connecting member provides dynamic length adjustment capability that directly enhances cable arrangement flexibility. By allowing the connection length to be modified, the system can adapt to different cable routing requirements and spatial configurations. This dynamic feature resolves the contradiction by providing the necessary flexibility while concentrating the complexity in a single adjustable component rather than throughout the entire cable management device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable connecting member serves multiple functions: it provides structural connection, enables length adjustment for different cable arrangements, and maintains mechanical stability. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address cable arrangement flexibility requirements without proportionally increasing the overall device complexity, as the same mechanism performs multiple roles within the cable management system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The adjustable mechanism allows for increased connection length, enhancing cable arrangement and maintenance accessibility by expanding the usable space behind electronic devices, facilitating more efficient cable management and operation.

Implementation Method 1

The first connecting member is connected to the first member in an extendable and retractable manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLinear motion:

Implementation Method 2

The first cable management arm, a second cable management arm, a first member, and a first connecting member. The second cable management arm is pivoted with respect to the first cable management arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Data Source

PatentEP3484252B1Coupling assembly and cable management device thereof
Publication Date: 2020.12.09 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3484252B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3484252B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3484252B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A coupling assembly includes a slide rail assembly (58, 60) and a cable management device (20, 200). The slide rail assembly (58) includes a first rail (62) and a second rail (64). The first rail (62) is displaceable relative to the second rail (64). The cable management device (20, 200) includes a first cable management arm (22, 202), a second cable management arm (24, 204), a member (26, 46, 206, 212) and a connecting member (28, 48, 56, 210, 214). The second cable management arm (24, 204) pivots with respect to the first cable management arm (22, 202). The member (26, 46, 206, 212) pivots with respect to the first cable management arm (22, 202). The connecting member (28, 48, 56, 210, 214) is displaceable relative to the member (26, 46, 206, 212). The second cable management arm (24, 204) is configured to connect to the second rail (64). The first cable management arm (22, 202) is connected to the first rail (62) using the connecting member (28, 48, 56, 210, 214).