Compressible Cable Clip Airflow Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling configurations in computing systems suffer from airflow escape through gaps or holes where cables are routed, leading to reduced cooling efficiency and potential overheating of electronic components.
Innovation Solution
A cable clip assembly with a primary and secondary clip, featuring a compressible interface made of flexible material, such as sponge, that creates an airflow barrier when installed, and toolless connectors for easy attachment and detachment, ensuring secure cable routing and retention within the computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables are routed through gaps or holes for cable management, then cable routing is achieved, but airflow escape occurs reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system is divided into separate functional components: rigid support structures provide structural integrity and cable routing paths, while flexible seals are inserted into specific gaps to block airflow leakage. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible seals act as intermediary elements inserted between the rigid support structures and the airflow path. These seals specifically block airflow leakage through cable routing gaps while allowing cables to pass through, thereby mediating between the need for cable management and the need to maintain cooling efficiency.
2Strength
If rigid support structures are used for cable management, then structural integrity is maintained, but airflow leakage occurs through gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges rigid support structures with flexible seals into an integrated cable management assembly. The rigid components provide structural integrity and positioning, while the flexible seals are attached to these rigid structures to block airflow leakage, combining the advantages of both rigid and flexible elements in a single assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible seals made of elastomeric materials are used to create airflow barriers within the rigid support structure framework. These flexible elements conform to gaps and openings in the rigid structure, blocking airflow leakage while maintaining the overall structural integrity provided by the rigid components.
3Loss of energy
If flexible seals are added to block airflow, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible seals are nested within or attached to the rigid support structure framework, with seals positioned inside the structural framework rather than as separate external components. This nesting approach integrates the sealing function within the existing structural geometry, reducing the need for additional separate assemblies and simplifying the overall device complexity.
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
The cable clip assembly effectively prevents airflow escape, enhancing cooling efficiency by maintaining airflow within the computing system and preventing overheating of electronic components.
Implementation Method 1
The compressible interface includes a flexible material that compresses when subjected to an installation force
Implementation Method 2
The compressible interface includes a flexible material that compresses when subjected to an installation force
Data Source
AI summary
A cable clip assembly for a computing device includes a primary clip with a primary surface between first and second primary ends. The first side extends in a first transverse direction from the first primary end, and the second side extends in the first transverse direction from the second primary end. Cable-receiving holes are arranged longitudinally between the first and second sides. A secondary clip has a secondary surface and is attached to the primary clip via the first and second sides. The secondary clip is movable relative to the primary clip between a cable installation position and a secured cable position, and is removably attached at one or more of the first and second sides. A compressible interface is attached to the primary surface, includes a flexible material that compresses when subjected to an installation force, and creates an airflow barrier in an installed position within the computing device.