Extendable Power Cable with Spring Retraction for Server Rack Airflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power cables in server racks require complex connections and take up space, obstructing airflow pathways and increasing costs due to their fixed lengths and lack of efficient management solutions.
Innovation Solution
The development of extendable component power cables with integrated spring elements or resilient sheaths that store energy upon extension, allowing them to collapse compactly when not in use, minimizing obstruction and reducing cable length and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed-length power cables are used to connect components in server racks, then reliable electrical connection is ensured, but cable management complexity increases and airflow pathways are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The power cable incorporates a spring element that enables dynamic extension and retraction. The cable can be extended from a compact retracted state to an extended operational state, and automatically returns to the retracted state when not in use. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for complex manual cable management while maintaining reliable electrical connections throughout the movement cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable's effective length parameter changes dynamically through the spring mechanism. In the retracted state, the cable occupies minimal space; when extended, it provides sufficient length for connection. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing the cable to be short when not in use (reducing management complexity) while being long when needed (maintaining connection reliability).
2Power
If traditional power cables are used in server racks, then electrical power is delivered to components, but airflow pathways are obstructed and cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-enabled dynamic cable retracts to a compact configuration when not in use, clearing the airflow pathway through the server rack. When power connection is needed, the cable extends to deliver electrical power. This dynamic behavior ensures that the cable does not continuously obstruct airflow, thereby improving cooling efficiency while maintaining power delivery capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed-length power cables are installed in server racks, then all components can be powered, but space consumption increases and installation cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic power cable with spring mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as a compact storage element when retracted, provides extended length when needed for connection, and automatically manages its own positioning. This multi-functionality allows a single cable design to replace what would otherwise require multiple different-length cables, reducing total space consumption and installation cost while maintaining the ability to power all components.
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 extendable power cables efficiently manage cable length, prevent airflow obstruction, and reduce costs by collapsing into compact configurations when not in use, enhancing server rack functionality and cooling efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element connected to at least a portion of the length of the conductive members and having a generally compact collapsed configuration in a relaxed mode characterized by the first end being generally proximal to the second end. The component power cable is extendable from the collapsed configuration to an extended configuration by application of an extending force to move the first end to a position distal to the second end, wherein energy stored in the at least one spring element by extension of the component power cable from the collapsed configuration to the extended configuration restores the component power cable to the collapsed configuration upon return of the first end to the position proximal to the second end.
Implementation Method 2
a resilient sheath with a plurality of glass fibers dispersed within a generally flexible material surrounding at least a portion of the length of the cable jacket and having a generally compact collapsed configuration in a relaxed mode characterized by the first end being generally proximal to the second end. The component power cable is extendable from the collapsed configuration to an extended configuration by application of an extending force to move the first end to a position distal to the second end, wherein energy stored in the resilient sheath upon extension of the component power cable from the collapsed configuration to the extended configuration restores the component power cable to the collapsed configuration upon return of the first end to the position proximal to the second end.
Data Source
AI summary
A component power cable having a pair of elongate conductive members each connected at a first end to a power distribution unit connector and at a second end to a component power supply connector, wherein the cable has sufficient resilience to impart a generally collapsed configuration to the component power cable, with the first end generally proximal to the second end. The component power cable is extendable from the collapsed configuration to an extended configuration by displacement of the first end to a position distal to the second end, wherein energy stored in the resilient cable by such displacement restores the component power cable to the collapsed configuration upon return of the first end to a position proximal the second end. The resilience may be provided by a spring element or by an elastomeric sheath.