Tool-Free Cable Pathway Divider With Snap-Fit Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of cable pathway dividers in data centers is cumbersome and time-consuming due to the need for tool-assisted fastening of metal mounting clips, especially when multiple dividers and adjustments are required.
Innovation Solution
A cable pathway divider system using interlocking post halves with a ring-shaped locking member that clamps onto cross members of a cable runway, allowing for tool-free installation and adjustment, featuring alignment tabs, prongs, sockets, and a hinge mechanism for easy alignment and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal mounting clips with machine screws and wing nuts are used to attach cable pathway dividers, then secure fastening is achieved, but installation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system (machine screws and wing nuts) with a snap-fit plastic mounting clip system. The mounting clips are made of plastic material that can be manually snapped onto the cable runway cross members without requiring any threading or fastening tools, thereby eliminating the time-consuming screw fastening process while maintaining secure attachment through the snap-fit mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clips are designed to be self-installing components that can be manually attached to the cable runway without requiring external fastening tools or complex assembly procedures. The snap-fit design allows installers to simply press the clips onto the cross members, making the installation process self-service oriented and eliminating the need for specialized fastening operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cable pathway dividers are installed with frequent location adjustments, then cable routing flexibility is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable pathway divider system is segmented into modular components including individual mounting clips, divider bodies, and spool elements that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This modular segmentation allows each divider to be independently installed and repositioned along the cable runway without affecting other dividers, facilitating flexible cable routing configurations while keeping individual installation steps simple and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clips are designed with dynamic repositioning capability, allowing them to be easily removed and reattached at different locations along the cable runway. The snap-fit design enables quick detachment and reattachment without tools, making it simple to adjust divider locations as cable routing requirements change, thereby providing adaptability without increasing installation complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A cable pathway divider, for installation on a cable runway, includes a pair of post halves and a ring-shaped locking member. Each post half includes a base portion and an extension portion, and the base portions of the post halves are arrangeable at opposite sides of a cross member of a cable runway. The post halves are securable to one another from opposite sides of the cross member, via clamping arrangement of the ring-shaped locking member relative to the post halves, such that the extension portions extend into a space above the cable runway to divide the cable runway into at least two cable paths.