Flexible Cable Management System Using Wire Stock Spine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable management systems face challenges in adaptability and efficiency when navigating around obstacles and securing cables in diverse configurations, particularly due to the increasing complexity of cable-dependent systems.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cable support apparatus featuring a spine and support members formed from wire stock, with a longitudinal passageway defined by attachment apertures and arms that allow for secure cable retention and routing, enabling bending and adaptation to various configurations without the need for tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cable management systems are used, then cables can be routed around obstacles, but the systems lack adaptability to diverse configurations and require multiple components increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spine and support members into a single integrated structure formed from one continuous piece of wire stock. This merging eliminates the need for separate components and assembly operations, providing adaptability to diverse configurations while reducing system complexity. The single-piece construction allows the cable management system to bend and conform to various obstacle arrangements without requiring multiple detachable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The spine structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, defines the longitudinal passageway for cable retention, and enables bending adaptation to various configurations. The integrated design makes the same structure universal for different cable routing scenarios without requiring specialized components for each configuration type.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for spine and support members, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but manufacturing costs increase and structural integrity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The spine and support members are merged into a single component formed from one continuous piece of wire stock through bending and shaping operations. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing of individual components and their subsequent assembly, reducing total material usage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single-forming process.
3Reliability
If cables are secured with multiple attachment points, then cable retention is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple attachment apertures are integrated into a single continuous support member that is itself integrated with the spine. This allows cables to be secured at multiple points along the passageway without requiring separate attachment operations for each point, reducing installation time while maintaining reliable cable retention through the distributed aperture configuration.
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 apparatus provides secure cable management and routing capabilities, adapting to complex configurations and obstacles, while simplifying installation and reducing manufacturing costs through the use of a single piece of wire stock for both the spine and support members.
Implementation Method 1
the body segment of each support member is welded to the flexible spine in three or more positions to define the two or more attachment apertures therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A cable support apparatus includes a flexible spine formed from a single piece of wire stock and a plurality of support members extending along a length of the flexible spine. Each of the support members is formed from a single piece of wire stock. The plurality of support members cooperate with one another to define a longitudinal passageway extending along a length of the flexible spine for retaining one or more cables therein. Each support member includes a body segment extending along and engaged to the flexible spine to define at least two attachment apertures therebetween.