Cable Storage Element for Rack Frameworks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The cabling of slide-in elements in racks for information and network technology is complex due to excess cable length, leading to messiness and difficult handling when reconnecting cables.

Innovation Solution

A slide-in element with multiple slots that accommodate cable storage elements, allowing both cable ends to be pulled out independently in variable lengths, with a spring-loaded roller system and deflection elements for space-efficient storage and easy reconnection without disturbing other connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If standard cable lengths are used for connecting slide-in elements in racks, then cable connections can be established, but excess cable length results in messiness and difficult handling when reconnecting cables

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cable reconnectionVSAvoidcable management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is nested within a cable storage element that can be inserted into slide-in slots on the rack. The storage element acts as a container that holds the cable in an organized manner, allowing the cable to be stored neatly when not in use and easily accessed when needed for reconnection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable storage element is designed to be movable and removable from the rack. This dynamic design allows the storage element to be easily inserted and removed, enabling flexible cable management and simplifying reconnection operations without dealing with excess cable length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If cables are stored in fixed positions within the rack, then cable routing is simplified, but flexibility in cable length and reconnection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable length flexibilityVSAvoidcable reconnection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management system is segmented into multiple independent cable storage elements, each capable of holding a cable. Each storage element can be independently inserted into or removed from the rack, allowing individual cables to be managed separately. This segmentation provides flexibility in cable length and simplifies reconnection by allowing access to individual cables without disturbing others.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If multiple cables are managed without individual storage elements, then the rack structure remains simple, but cable organization and space efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverack space utilizationVSAvoidcable storage structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable storage element serves multiple functions: it stores the cable in an organized manner, provides a standardized interface for insertion into the rack, and enables easy retrieval and reconnection of cables. This multi-functional design improves rack space utilization while adding minimal structural complexity, as the same storage element design can be used for multiple cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution provides orderly and space-saving cable management, allowing for flexible cable lengths and independent reconnection of cable ends, reducing the need for exchanging cables and simplifying the rearrangement of connections.

Implementation Method 1

the cable end (8) of which can be pulled out of the cable storage element (6) in variable length against the spring force exerted by a spring element (12) on a roller (13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3146814B1Insert element for frameworks
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 PATCHBOX
  • EP3146814B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3146814B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3146814B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an insertion element (1) for frameworks, in particular racks, for use in the information and network technology, comprising a plurality of insertion slots (2), wherein the insertion slots (2) accommodate insertable cable storage elements (6), in each of which is received one cable (7), the two cable ends (8, 9) of which are guided to the outside via openings (21) provided at the end face (10) of the cable storage element (6) and can be pulled out from the cable storage element (6) such that it can be changed in length.