Flexible Cloth Cable Management for Flush Under-Table Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable clutter under desks and entertainment systems obstructs cleaning and interferes with automated cleaning systems, and existing cable organizers are often visible and not aesthetically integrated with the surrounding environment.
Innovation Solution
A rectangular cloth with a flexible material, such as canvas or mesh, is attached to a table's underside using a cord and fastening means, allowing cables and accessories to be hidden while being supported, creating a flush and camouflaged appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cable baskets are used to organize cables, then cable management is improved, but the baskets become visible and affect aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin fabric sheet instead of a rigid cable basket. The fabric is tightened between the table underside and the floor, creating a flexible barrier that holds cables while being visually unobtrusive. This resolves the contradiction by providing cable management functionality without the visual bulk of traditional baskets.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric is selected to match the color of the table underside, making it visually blend in and become less noticeable. This color matching strategy allows the cable management system to remain functional while minimizing its visual impact on the overall aesthetic.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cable organizers are used, then cables are collected, but the floor remains cluttered and cleaning is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the cable storage function from the horizontal floor plane to the vertical space between the table underside and the floor. By utilizing this vertical dimension, cables are collected and elevated off the floor, allowing cleaning systems to operate unobstructed while maintaining cable organization.
3Shape
If the cloth is made thin to be flush under the table, then aesthetics are improved, but support capability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric is pre-tightened using cords and fastening means before cables are placed. This preliminary tensioning creates a taut surface that provides adequate support for cables while maintaining the thin, flush appearance. The pre-applied tension compensates for the reduced structural thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is segmented between the fabric itself and the cord-fastening system. The fabric provides the flush appearance while the cord and fastening means provide the structural support, allowing each component to specialize in its optimal function without compromise.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for cable management has a rectangular cloth that is tightened from four corners to an underside of a table. The cloth supports cables, power sources or other electrical accessories against the table. The cloth may be canvas, fabric, net, mesh or similar, made from flexible thin material. The cloth is lifted close to the table by tightening a cord that travels inside the outer seams. The cord is tightened against four fastening means at each corner of the rectangular cloth. The arrangement allows items of various sizes and shapes to be supported and gently pushed against the underside of the table.