Cable Management Arm Connector With Two-Way Release Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for cable management arms and slide assemblies restrict space and allow only one-directional removal, making it difficult to release the connection between the cable support arm and the rails, especially when the chassis is removed from a rack.
Innovation Solution
A connection device comprising a connection member with a pair of bent portions and a sidewall, an engaging member with a resilient arm and engaging portion, and an insertion piece with insertion arms and a body, allowing two-way separation and proper orientation insertion, utilizing a T-shaped window and stop to ensure secure locking and easy release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plungers are used to connect the cable support arm to the rails, then the connection can be made, but the plungers protrude beyond the chassis and restrict the width and space when the chassis is installed in the rack
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging member is nested within the connection member, with the resilient arm and engaging portion contained inside the housing structure. This nesting arrangement allows the connection device to maintain its connection function while significantly reducing the protruding dimension beyond the chassis, thereby freeing up rack space.
2Reliability
If plungers are used for connection, then the connection can be established, but only one removal direction is provided which restricts the available space and makes it difficult to pull the plungers to release the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arm provides dynamic engagement capability, allowing the engaging portion to be pushed into the locked position during insertion and to be easily released by applying force in either direction. This dynamic design enables two-way removal operation, improving ease of disassembly compared to fixed-direction plunger systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arm automatically returns to its engaged position after being compressed during insertion, providing self-locking functionality without requiring additional components or operations. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable connection while maintaining ease of release when needed.
3Area of stationary object
If a compact connection device is used to reduce space, then the rack space is freed up, but the device complexity increases with multiple components including connection member, engaging member, and insertion piece
Solution Approach 1:
The connection member integrates multiple functions into a single housing structure that contains both the engagement mechanism and the insertion interface. The engaging member combines the resilient arm, engaging portion, and releasing mechanism into one integrated component. This merging approach reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the compact size needed for space efficiency.
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
Enables secure two-way release of the connection between the cable management arm and slide assembly, reducing space occupation and facilitating easy installation and removal, while ensuring proper orientation and preventing accidental disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
an engaging member with a longitudinally projecting resilient arm
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device includes a connection member attached to one of a cable management arm and a slide assembly, an insertion piece attached to the other one of the cable management arm and the slide assembly, and an engaging member attached to one of the connection member and the insertion piece. The connection member has a longitudinal passage and a window. The engaging member has a resilient arm and an engaging portion. The insertion piece has two insertion arms, one of which has a contact section located corresponding to the engaging portion, and a projecting portion for ensuring the insertion piece being inserted into the connection member in proper orientation. When the insertion piece is completely inserted into the longitudinal passage of the connection member, the engaging portion of the engaging member contacts the contact section to releasably lock the insertion piece to the connection member.