Cable Coupler Channel Layout for Portable Medical Cable Tangle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic medical devices face issues with cable tangling, knotting, and catching during movement due to unmanaged cables, which can hinder usability and increase cognitive load on operators.
Innovation Solution
A cable management system featuring a frame with channels and cable couplers that maintain cable positions, reduce tangling, and facilitate easy identification through color coding and different shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cables are left unmanaged for portability, then device mobility is improved, but cable tangling and catching occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system divides the cable handling into separate functional components: cable couplers that attach to the device, channels that guide cable paths, and passages that organize individual cables. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of cable management while maintaining overall device mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable coupler acts as an intermediary component between the portable electronic medical device and the cables. It provides a structured interface that connects cables to the device through designated ports while preventing tangling, thus mediating between the need for connectivity and the need for mobility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are connected to multiple ports, then device functionality is improved, but cable organization and identification become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system applies different characteristics to different cable pathways: each channel is positioned and shaped specifically for its associated cable type, and each cable coupler has unique visual identifiers. This local differentiation makes it easy to identify and manage specific cables among multiple connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable couplers are provided in different colors corresponding to different cable types or functions. This color-coding system enables rapid visual identification of cables connected to specific ports, significantly improving ease of operation when multiple cables are in use.
3Ease of operation
If cable management structures are added, then cable organization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable coupler serves multiple functions simultaneously: it anchors cables to prevent tangling, guides cables through designated channels, provides visual identification through color-coding, and interfaces with device ports. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management system uses a nested structure where cable couplers are positioned within or alongside channels, and passages are integrated into the coupler bodies. This nesting approach consolidates multiple management functions into overlapping structural elements rather than separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
Various methods and systems are provided for cable management for portable electronic medical devices. In one embodiment, a system comprises: a frame for a portable electronic medical device, the frame including a first wall and an opposing, second wall forming inner surfaces of a channel; and a cable coupler adapted to seat within the channel, including: counterpart outer surfaces shaped to engage the inner surfaces; and a passage shaped to enclose a portion of a cable.