Flexible Cable Support Spine with Radiused Retention Slots
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable management systems are inadequate in retaining cables regardless of their bend or orientation, failing to adapt to various configurations and obstacles in different settings.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cable support apparatus featuring a spine with support members that include attachment portions and radiused body portions, allowing for secure cable retention and routing around obstacles with adjustable configurations, including perpendicular orientations and complex shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable management systems are used, then cable routing is possible, but cable retention is inadequate regardless of bend or orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system employs a flexible spine structure that can bend and change orientation while maintaining cable retention. The spine's flexibility allows it to adapt to various configurations and routes around obstacles, while the attached support members ensure cables remain securely held during bending and orientation changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from rigid cable management structures to a dynamic flexible spine that can adapt its shape and orientation. This dynamic capability allows the spine to maintain cable retention during movement and configuration changes, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
2Productivity
If cable density is increased to improve routing efficiency, then more cables can be routed, but overheating risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are strategically positioned along the flexible spine at specific intervals and orientations to create optimal cable distribution. This local arrangement ensures cables are spaced appropriately to prevent overheating while maximizing routing efficiency, addressing the contradiction between productivity and heat management.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the cable management system is made rigid for structural stability, then mounting precision is improved, but adaptability to different configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible spine provides structural stability through its supported configuration while simultaneously enabling adaptation to different configurations and routes. The spine's flexibility allows it to conform to various mounting scenarios and obstacles without compromising its ability to securely hold cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible spine with attached support members serves multiple functions: it provides structural stability for mounting, adapts to various configurations and routes, and maintains cable retention during movement. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable support apparatus includes a flexible spine and a plurality of support members disposed along a length of the flexible spine. Each support member includes an attachment portion and a body portion. The attachment portion is secured to the flexible spine in at least two locations and cooperates therewith to define a first slot oriented in a first direction and a second slot oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The body portion depends from the attachment portion, defines an interior, and includes an opening providing access to the interior. The opening is configured to permit passage of at least one cable therethrough and into the interior. The interiors of the body portions of the plurality of support members cooperate to define a longitudinal passageway extending along the flexible spine in parallel orientation relative to the flexible spine.