Cable Extraction Tool Alignment and Actuation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In densely packed computing environments, identifying and disconnecting the correct cable from a socket is challenging, leading to the risk of inadvertently disconnecting the wrong cable, which can cause network outages.
Innovation Solution
A cable extraction tool with a shaft and alignment member, featuring a disconnecting member that actuates the cable clip and a gripping mechanism to securely grasp the cable head for accurate disconnection, allowing users to identify and remove cables efficiently without interfering with adjacent plugs or damaging them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cables are tightly spaced and bundled in densely packed computing environments, then the working space is optimized and equipment density is improved, but cable identification and disconnection become difficult and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable extraction tool as an intermediary device between the user and the tightly spaced cables. The tool includes a shaft with an alignment member that can be inserted into the dense cable bundle, and a disconnecting member with a bounding member that locates and engages the cable clip. This intermediary tool extends the user's reach and precision into tight spaces where direct manual operation is difficult, solving the contradiction by providing mechanical leverage and alignment assistance without requiring more working space.
2Device complexity
If manual cable disconnection is used in tight spaces, then no additional tools are required, but the risk of disconnecting the wrong cable increases and operation precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable extraction tool performs preliminary actions before the actual cable disconnection. The alignment member with transverse and bounding members first locates and engages the cable clip position, ensuring proper alignment before the disconnecting member actuates the release mechanism. This preliminary positioning action prevents incorrect cable disconnection by verifying the target cable and its clip are correctly identified and engaged before applying the release force.
3Productivity
If the cable clip is actuated without proper alignment, then disconnection speed is improved, but adjacent plugs may be interfered with or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cable extraction tool applies local quality by concentrating the disconnection action precisely at the cable clip location. The bounding member with its opening positioned at a specific distance from the transverse member creates a localized engagement zone that fits over the cable clip. This localized approach ensures that only the target cable's clip is actuated, while adjacent plugs remain unaffected, allowing fast disconnection without compromising safety or causing interference with neighboring connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool 202 for extracting a cable plug 112 from a socket 203 including a cable remover portion 206 which actuates and disconnects the cable plug 112 is described and claimed. Various implementations include a user statically or dynamically actuating and gripping the plug 112 and mechanically or frictionally gripping, or both, the plug 112. In one implementation, the cable remover portion 206 includes a ball detent 302 and catch tabs 320 which actuate the cable clip 208 and catch the cable head 210 so that the plug 112 is mechanically gripped. In another implementation, a translational ramp 800 is supported in the cable remover portion 206 so that a user dynamically moves the ramp 800, which actuates the cable clip 208 and the force of the ramp 800 and cable remover 206 together frictionally grips the plug 112.