Conductive Sealing Sleeve for Raised Floor Cable Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard sealing devices for raised floor panels in data centers are inadequate for multiple cables or cable bundles, leading to significant air loss and potential damage from rough edges, and do not provide effective electrostatic dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, electrically conductive sealing assembly with a hook and loop fastener and a grommet that secures to the surface, providing a complete seal around cables and protecting them from sharp edges, while also dissipating static electricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard sealing devices with bristles or foam are used, then single cable sealing may be achieved, but multiple cables or off-center cables cause insufficient sealing and air loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane made of foam material that can deform and conform to multiple cables or off-center cable positions. The membrane's flexibility allows it to maintain sealing contact around various cable configurations, unlike rigid bristle-based devices that cannot adapt to different arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device changes the physical state of the sealing material from rigid (bristles) to flexible (foam membrane). This parameter change enables the material to deform and adapt its shape around multiple cables or off-center positions, providing effective sealing for various cable configurations.
2Reliability
If bristles are used in sealing devices, then sealing may be provided, but bristles can break loose and create hazards to equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces loose bristles with a continuous flexible foam membrane that maintains structural integrity. The membrane's continuous structure eliminates the risk of individual elements breaking loose and causing hazards, while still providing effective sealing through its deformable nature.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device uses composite construction combining a rigid frame with a flexible foam membrane. This composite structure provides both the structural support needed to maintain the sealing position and the flexibility needed to conform to cables, while the membrane's continuous structure prevents loose elements.
3Ease of operation
If apertures are cut in floor panels for cable passage, then cable routing is enabled, but cool air escapes through the apertures reducing cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible foam membrane is installed around cables in the aperture, creating a seal that blocks the escape path of cool air while allowing cables to pass through. The membrane's flexibility enables it to conform to cable shapes and positions, maintaining sealing effectiveness without obstructing cable routing.
4Strength
If a rigid frame with bristles is used for sealing, then structure is provided, but sufficient sealing is not achieved for multiple or off-center cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a rigid frame structure with a flexible foam membrane. The rigid frame provides the necessary structural support and positioning, while the flexible membrane makes contact with the cables to provide the actual sealing. This division of functions allows both structural strength and sealing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device uses composite construction combining rigid and flexible materials. The rigid frame provides structural support and maintains the sealing position, while the flexible foam membrane conforms to various cable configurations to provide effective sealing, achieving both strength and adaptability.
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 solution effectively minimizes air loss, protects cables from damage, and ensures efficient cooling by providing a comprehensive seal and electrostatic protection for multiple cables or bundles passing through raised floor panels.
Implementation Method 1
a hook and loop type fastener attached to a top portion of the sleeve
Implementation Method 2
The sleeve is electrically conductive such that the sleeve dissipates static electricity from the cable to the surface
Implementation Method 3
The sleeve is electrically conductive such that the sleeve dissipates static electricity from the cable to the surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing assembly having a flexible sleeve and a means for sealing a top portion of the sleeve around a plurality of cables, such as by a hook and loop type fastener attached at the top portion of the sleeve. The sleeve is configured to be secured to a surface. The sleeve can also be electrically conductive such that the sleeve dissipates static electricity from the cable to the surface. The sealing assembly can also have a grommet positioned adjacent to the bottom portion of the sleeve. The grommet has a first wall having a plurality of apertures for connecting the grommet to a surface and a second wall that extends substantially perpendicular to the first wall and is configured to extend through an aperture in the surface. The second wall is flexible to protect the cable from sharp edges associated with the aperture in the surface.