Cable Guide With Lateral Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of multiple wired connections to computing devices results in clutter, tangling, and increased theft risks due to insecure cable routing, with existing solutions like cable ties being difficult to use and not reusable.
Innovation Solution
A cable guide system with a cable flange and pull tab mechanism that securely routes cables, providing a pathway and optional locking mechanism to prevent theft, while being easy to use and reusable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable ties are used to secure cables, then cable routing security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because cable ties are difficult to release and not reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide uses a dynamic retention mechanism where the cable can be easily inserted and removed by applying lateral force, transitioning between retained and released states without permanent attachment. This resolves the contradiction by providing secure retention during use while enabling easy release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide is divided into separate functional components: a retention structure for securing the cable, a lateral movement mechanism for release, and an optional locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently, achieving both security and ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple wired connections are allowed, then device functionality is improved, but cable management quality deteriorates due to clutter and tangling
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide utilizes lateral movement (side-to-side motion) rather than linear insertion/extraction to achieve cable retention and release. This dimensional approach allows multiple cables to be managed independently without clutter, as each cable can be laterally positioned and secured separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide structure serves multiple functions: it provides cable retention, enables easy release through lateral movement, offers optional locking for security, and maintains organized cable routing. This multi-functionality supports multiple wired connections while preserving cable management quality.
3Reliability
If cable routing is made secure, then theft prevention is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-operating through lateral movement of the cable guide. The user simply moves the cable guide laterally to engage or disengage the lock, without requiring separate keys, codes, or complex authentication systems. This maintains theft prevention while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is merged with the cable retention structure itself. The same lateral movement mechanism that secures the cable also engages the locking feature, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a cable guide can include a cable flange including a body, an arm extending a distance away from the body, a retention mechanism to retain the cable flange in a housing, and a first attachment mechanism. The cable guide can include a pull tab including a second attachment mechanism coupled to the first attachment mechanism, where the arm is disengaged from the housing when the cable guide is in a disengaged position, and the arm is engaged with the housing and the cable flange and the housing are to form a pathway when the cable guide is in an engaged position.