Hinged Cable Organization Bar for Secure Individual Cable Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable organization devices in data centers face challenges such as inability to securely position and hold individual cables, require complex and costly assembly, and allow cables to slide, leading to disorganization and loss of position.

Innovation Solution

A ribbon cable organization bar with a hinge connection system and locking mechanism that allows snap-fastening and secure cable retention, enabling robust and cost-effective cable organization, with notches to prevent cable movement and a one-piece design for reduced manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If cable ties are used to hold cables, then cables can be grouped together, but individual cable positioning is not possible and the entire group must be opened to access or change a single cable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable accessVSAvoidcable organization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the cable management system into modular units with individual notches for each cable. Each notch independently secures a single cable, allowing access to any cable without disturbing others. This segmentation transforms the monolithic cable tie approach into granular, independently accessible cable positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If comb-type devices are used to separate cables, then cables can be kept in arrangement, but all cables above a target cable must be removed to access it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable accessVSAvoidcable installation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device features multiple independent notches along its length, each capable of securing an individual cable. This segmentation allows direct access to any cable by simply releasing the specific notch, eliminating the need to remove stacked cables above the target cable as required by comb-type devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If arms are made complex with hinge connections, then cables can be retained, but manufacturing costs increase due to screws and assembly complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device integrates the hinge connection system, locking mechanism, and cable retention notches into a single monoblock component. This merging eliminates the need for separate arms, screws, and assembly steps, achieving reliable cable retention through the unified structure's inherent geometry while dramatically simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The monoblock structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides hinge connections for articulation, incorporates locking elements for secure retention, and includes notches for cable positioning. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components, reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If arms are designed to slide along cables, then cable untangling is enabled, but position guarantee is lost and cable organization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable untanglingVSAvoidcable position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device provides fixed, discrete notches at specific positions along its length, creating predetermined cable placement locations. This segmentation prevents continuous sliding while still allowing controlled insertion and removal of cables, maintaining both organization and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

5Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of arms are used depending on cable number, then cable support capacity increases, but inventory management complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable support capacityVSAvoidinventory management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monoblock device is designed as a universal component that can accommodate variable numbers of cables through its integrated notches. A single device type can secure multiple cables simultaneously or individually, eliminating the need to stock and manage multiple specialized arm variants for different cable quantities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides high-level cable organization, ensuring cables are securely held and easily maintained, reducing installation complexity and costs while maintaining cable position over time.

Implementation Method 1

a second hollow hinge element complementary to the first hinge element, adapted to engage on the first hinge element by snap-fastening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSnap-fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

a second hollow locking element adapted to engage with the first locking element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

each notch forming a substantially longitudinal passage for a cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP4109694B1Bar for organising cables into a layer, assembly for organising cables comprising such bars, and method for assembling such an assembly for organisation
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 MICAB
  • EP4109694B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4109694B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4109694B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Cable organization bar (1), the bar (1) comprising an elongated body (2) and at least two notches (8), each notch (8) forming a substantially longitudinal passage for a cable, the bar (1) being characterized in that it further comprises: - on a first extreme portion (3), a hinge connection system (10) - on the second extreme portion (4), a locking system (16) such that a first hinge element (11) of a first bar (1) can be assembled by snapping onto a second hinge element (14) of a second bar (1), and a first locking element (17) of the first bar (1) can be retained by a second locking element (21) of the second bar (1), to form a cable organization assembly.