Cable Management Arm Assembly with Sliding Support Rail

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cable management arms in existing systems tend to droop due to inherited weight, affecting operation in densely stacked storage spaces, and require complex folding mechanisms that complicate installation and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A cable management arm assembly with a support mechanism that slides into rails, featuring a frame with pivoted arms, sliding members, connectors, and a locking mechanism that allows easy assembly and operation by synchronizing with the extension of telescoping slides, preventing drooping and facilitating easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cable management arm is made foldable with a hinge, then it can be compacted for storage, but the hinge and arm tend to droop due to inherited weight affecting operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompactness for storageVSAvoiddrooping of hinge and arm

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A support rail is introduced as an intermediary component between the cable management arm and the storage space. The support rail receives the arm when folded and provides stable support, preventing the drooping that occurs with hinge-based folding mechanisms alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If slides are used to support the frame, then weight is distributed and service life is extended, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight distribution and service lifeVSAvoidstructure with slides and connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is segmented into multiple components: outer slides, inner slides, support rails, and connectors. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex system to be built from manageable, standardized parts that distribute weight effectively across multiple contact points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If a locking mechanism is added to secure the arm to slides, then stability is improved, but installation and operation become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure locking of arm to slidesVSAvoidinstallation and operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded locking members that automatically engage with locking grooves on the slides. This eliminates the need for manual locking operations while maintaining secure attachment, allowing the arm to lock and unlock automatically during extension and retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7554819B2Cable management arm assembly

Publication Date: 2009.06.30 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD

AI summary

A cable management arm assembly includes a frame, a support rail, a first and a second sliding members, a first and a second connectors, and an insertion socket operating in conjunction with slides. The frame slides on the support rail with both ends connected to the insertion socket and the first connector. The sliding members are respectively mounted in the connectors. A locking member is disposed on each of the connectors and the insertion socket to secure them to the slides. A limiting member is provided on the first connector connected to the frame to retain and release the first sliding member, and the limiting member is pushed when the first connector is inserted into the rear end of the outer rail to release the first sliding member for the support rail to move when the slides extend and the front and the rear arms of the frame unfold.