Cable Management Assembly with Polygonal Locking Face
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable management systems face challenges in easily and securely mounting cables and wires to racks, frames, and cabinets in both vertical and horizontal orientations, with conventional solutions requiring complex release mechanisms and limited adaptability to different rack constructions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed cable management assembly features a flange with outwardly extending fingers for cable deflection and a rearwardly extending polygonal locking face that engages apertures in mounting structures, allowing for detachable locking and flexible orientation, including chamfered triangular faces for secure mounting on varying rack thicknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional snap type rings with spring-finger anchor mechanisms are used, then cables can be routed and secured to racks, but the release mechanism requires complex pinching and pushing actions from the rear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional release mechanism by providing a release tab that extends forward toward the front of the rack instead of requiring access from the rear. The release tab is positioned to engage with a corresponding feature on the rack, allowing the cable management assembly to be released by simply pulling forward on the tab rather than requiring complex pinching and pushing actions from behind the rack.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable management assemblies are designed for secure mounting, then reliable cable routing is achieved, but adaptability to different rack constructions and orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the cable management assembly with universal mounting features that can accommodate different rack constructions and orientations. The assembly includes mounting ears with holes that can be secured using various fastening methods (screws, clips, adhesives) suitable for different rack materials and thicknesses. The L-shaped configuration allows the assembly to be mounted in both vertical and horizontal orientations, providing versatility across different installation scenarios while maintaining secure mounting through multiple attachment options.
3Adaptability or versatility
If L-shaped cable management assemblies are used, then both vertical and horizontal orientations are supported, but the mounting mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting function into separate mounting ears that are integrally formed with the L-shaped body. Each mounting ear includes a hole positioned to receive a fastening element, allowing the mounting mechanism to be simplified while maintaining orientation flexibility. The segmentation of the mounting features from the main body enables independent optimization of each mounting point while preserving the overall L-shaped configuration that provides vertical and horizontal orientation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable management assembly is provided that facilitates routing of cables from a rack, frame or cabinet. The cable management assembly may be mounted in a vertical or a horizontal orientation, and generally includes a flange, a pair of fingers extending outwardly relative to the flange and defining a routing region therebetween, at least one mounting element extending rearwardly relative to the flange; and a polygonal locking face mounted with respect to the at least one mounting element. The cable management assembly may be mounted with respect to a rack structure by introducing the polygonal locking face to a correspondingly shaped aperture and rotating the cable management assembly, e.g., by a quarter turn.