Geared Cable Connector Fastening for Restricted Chassis Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cabling systems face challenges in fastening and unfastening cable connectors due to restricted hand/finger access caused by dense configurations of computing device connectors and chassis obstructions, leading to issues such as inadvertent disconnection under tension.
Innovation Solution
A meshed gear cable connector fastening system featuring a cable connector with rotatable gear teeth and a key hole base that allows a geared fastener device to mesh with these teeth, enabling rotation and secure attachment to computing device connectors even in restricted spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional hand-tightened cable connectors are used, then the fastening mechanism is simple, but hand/finger access is restricted due to dense connector configurations and chassis obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
A geared fastener device acts as an intermediary tool that interfaces with the gear teeth on the cable connector. This mediator enables users to fasten connectors in restricted spaces by providing a longer lever arm that can be manipulated even when fingers cannot directly access the connector body, thus resolving the contradiction between simple mechanism and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from direct manual manipulation in the limited spatial dimension available to using a extended fastening tool that operates from an external dimension. The geared fastener device extends the operational reach beyond the restricted chassis opening, allowing users to apply torque from outside the constrained space.
2Ease of operation
If cable connectors are made accessible in dense configurations, then hand/finger access improves, but connector density and compactness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is segmented into two distinct components: the cable connector with integrated gear teeth and the separate geared fastener device. This segmentation allows the connector to remain compact within the chassis while the fastening operation is performed by a separate tool that can be inserted through available openings, maintaining both compactness and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The geared fastener device serves as an intermediary that enables fastening operations without requiring direct access to the connector body. By introducing this intermediate tool that interfaces through gear tooth engagement, the system maintains compact connector placement while still allowing user operation through restricted openings.
3Ease of operation
If snap-in cable connectors are used for easy connection, then ease of operation improves, but connection reliability decreases due to inadvertent disconnection under tension
Solution Approach 1:
The gear teeth are pre-configured on the cable connector in a ready state, and the geared fastener device is designed to engage these teeth through a defined insertion motion. This preliminary preparation of the gear interface ensures that once engaged, the connection achieves secure mechanical interlocking through gear meshing, preventing inadvertent disconnection while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear teeth create a curved, interlocking engagement path between the connector and fastener device. This curved gear interface provides mechanical advantage and resistance to pull-out forces, enhancing connection reliability compared to linear snap-in mechanisms, while the engagement process remains simple and straightforward.
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
Facilitates secure and reliable fastening/unfastening of cable connectors in environments with limited access, preventing accidental disconnections and ensuring stable data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
A meshed gear cable connector fastening system is provided. The meshed gear cable connector fastening system includes a cable, a cable connector that is rotatably coupled to the cable, that includes connector gear teeth, and that is connected to the IHS connector; and a key hole base that defines a key hole and that is mounted to the cable adjacent the cable connector such that the key hole base does not rotate independently of the cable
Data Source
AI summary
A meshed gear cable connector fastening system includes a cable. A cable connector is rotatably coupled to the cable and includes connector gear teeth. A key hole base is mounted to the cable adjacent the cable connector such that the key hole base does not rotate independently of the cable. The key hole based defines a key hole that is configured to receive a geared fastener device to mesh fastener gear teeth on a geared fastener device with the connector gear teeth on the cable connector. Rotation of the fastener gear teeth relative to the key hole base to rotate the cable connector via the connector gear teeth meshed with the fastener gear teeth.