Extendable Cable Enclosure with Release Levers for Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cable enclosures with sliding inner trays for increased access face issues such as cable damage, higher maintenance and manufacturing costs, and the need for cable slack, while providing limited access due to the height of the enclosure opening.
Innovation Solution
An extendable cable enclosure with release levers that allow selective sliding or retraction of the enclosure relative to lateral slide rails, enabling a larger front opening for improved access, and independent operation of the front cover and door for enhanced cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sliding inner trays are used to provide additional access to cables, then access to cables is improved, but the number of moving parts increases and maintenance and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable access function from the interior of the enclosure by allowing the entire enclosure to slide out along lateral slide rails. This eliminates the need for separate sliding inner trays and reduces the number of moving parts while providing extended access to cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic sliding mechanism that allows the enclosure to move between a retracted position (when not in use) and an extended position (when cable access is needed). This dynamic capability provides on-demand access without requiring permanent structural modifications or additional moving parts.
2Ease of operation
If sliding inner trays are used to provide additional access to cables, then access to cables is improved, but cable damage risk increases due to additional pinch points
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the cable access function to the exterior sliding mechanism, the patent eliminates the pinch points that would otherwise exist at multiple internal connection points and tray edges. Cables access the enclosure through a single external interface rather than navigating through multiple internal pinch points.
3Ease of operation
If sliding inner trays are used to provide additional access to cables, then access to cables is improved, but more cable slack is required
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic sliding mechanism allows the enclosure to extend only when cable access is needed, minimizing the amount of cable slack required. The enclosure can be retracted to a compact position when not in use, reducing the overall cable length needed compared to permanent extended designs.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixed enclosures are used, then manufacturing and maintenance costs are lower, but access to cables is limited to the height of the enclosure opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a simple dynamic sliding mechanism that extends the enclosure laterally to provide improved cable access. This dynamic capability is achieved through relatively simple lateral slide rails and release levers, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving operational access to cables.
Data Source
AI summary
An example cable enclosure is provided that includes a chassis, a front cover coupled to the chassis, and first and second slide rails slidably coupled relative to the chassis. The cable enclosure includes a first release lever mounted to the chassis. The first release lever is capable of being positioned into a first position and a second position. In the first position, the first release lever engages the chassis to prevent sliding of the chassis and the front cover relative to the first and second slide rails. In the second position, the first release lever disengages the chassis to allow for sliding of the chassis and the front cover relative to the first and second slide rails.