Extendable Cable Management Arms for Rack Space Constraints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cable management devices face limitations in expanded length due to space constraints, leading to inefficiencies when trying to accommodate longer cable lengths within predetermined rack systems.

Innovation Solution

A cable management device comprising a first and second cable management arm, an auxiliary member that is extendable and retractable, and connecting members to increase the length of the first cable management arm, allowing for longer displacement without occupying additional space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the cable management arms are extended to increase cable management length, then the cable management capability is improved, but the device occupies more space behind the rack

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable management arm lengthVSAvoidspace behind rack
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management device is divided into multiple sections (first cable management arm, second cable management arm, auxiliary member) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the device to achieve a longer effective cable management length when needed while being able to compact the individual sections into a smaller overall footprint when retracted, thus resolving the contradiction between length and space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable management device employs dynamic positioning mechanisms (pivot connections, slide connections) that allow the arms and auxiliary members to move between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt its length according to operational requirements while maintaining a compact form when space is constrained, effectively resolving the contradiction between achieving long cable management and minimizing space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Length of moving object

If additional cable management arms are added to increase expanded length, then the cable management capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexpanded length of cable management deviceVSAvoidnumber of cable management arms
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary member is designed to be nestable within or alongside the existing cable management arms. When not in use, the auxiliary member can be retracted or folded into a compact configuration that integrates with the main arms, achieving extended length capability without permanently increasing device complexity or requiring additional permanent structural components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 increases the expanded length of the cable management device, accommodating longer cable lengths while maintaining stability and not occupying excess space, thus addressing the limitations of conventional devices.

Implementation Method 1

The auxiliary member is extendable and retractable relative to one of the first cable management arm and the second cable management arm, such that a length of the first cable management arm is increased when the auxiliary member is extended

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

The first connecting member is pivotably connected to the auxiliary member and configured to connect the cable management device with a first target object. The second connecting member is pivotably connected to the other one of the first cable management arm and the second cable management arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3567995B1Cable management device
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 KING SLIDE WORKS CO LTD
  • EP3567995B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3567995B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3567995B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cable management device (38) includes a first cable management arm (40), a second cable management arm (42) and an auxiliary member (62). The second cable management arm (42) is movable relative to the first cable management arm (40). The auxiliary member (62) can be moved with respect to one of the first cable management arm (40) and the second cable management arm (42) from a first position to a second position, so as to increase a length of the cable management device (38).