Cable Backplane Tray With Strain Relief And Floating Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-density communication systems, traditional backplanes face signal integrity degradation due to increased signal travel distances, and cable management becomes challenging with large numbers of cable assemblies, leading to issues with cable connector positioning and stability during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A cable backplane system with a tray-based cable rack that includes strain relief components and floating cable connectors, allowing for precise alignment and secure positioning of connectors within a raceway, while providing strain relief to prevent cable movement and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable assemblies are used to replace traditional backplanes, then signal integrity is improved, but cable management and connector positioning become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A tray structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the cable assemblies and the system components. The tray holds multiple cable connector assemblies in organized positions, providing a mediator that simplifies cable management while preserving signal integrity benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management function is extracted from the cable assemblies themselves and placed into a dedicated tray structure. This separation allows the cables to focus on signal transmission while the tray handles positioning and organization.
2Productivity
If cables are routed during assembly, then system connectivity is achieved, but cable forces cause connector movement out of position
Solution Approach 1:
The tray pre-positions all cable connector assemblies before assembly operations begin. Each connector is held in its correct position by the tray structure, so when cables are routed and connected, the connectors remain properly positioned without movement or shifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray provides preliminary counter-action against cable forces by holding the connectors firmly in position. This pre-established support prevents the cable pulling forces during routing from causing connector displacement.
3Manufacturing precision
If cable connectors are held firmly in position, then connector positioning is precise, but connector movement for alignment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tray structure incorporates dynamic characteristics that allow cable connector assemblies to move slightly or float within the tray. This enables the connectors to be held precisely in normal operation while still allowing limited movement when needed for alignment during assembly or installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable rack for a cable backplane system includes a tray having a plurality of plates defining a frame and surrounding a raceway. Cable connector assemblies are held by the tray with each having a plurality of cables extending between at least two cable connectors and routed in the raceway. Each cable connector is positioned between and is supported by corresponding plates. At least one cable strain relief component is held by the tray. Each cable strain relief component is positioned between and is supported by corresponding plates of the tray independent of the cable connectors. Each cable strain relief component provides strain relief for the associated cables. Optionally, the cable connectors are loosely held by the tray and float relative to the tray with a predefined limited amount of movement relative to the tray and relative to the at least one cable strain relief component.