Hinged Cable Guide Panel for Rear Port Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinged panels are ineffective in environments where trunk cables and patch cords approach from the same side, leading to potential damage and complexity in installation and maintenance, as they violate bend radius rules and make it difficult to access rear ports without disassembling the module.
Innovation Solution
A hinged cable guide panel with a hinge support and a panel that pivots between closed and open positions, featuring trunk cable supports and cable apertures to manage trunk cables and patch cords separately, allowing access to rear ports without damaging cables and maintaining bend radius compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hinged panel is used to allow access to rear ports, then access to rear ports is improved, but cable damage risk increases due to bend radius violations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by allowing the panel to move between a first position (flush with front face) and a second position (pivoted open), creating spatial separation between the cable entry point and the panel opening. This dimensional change enables rear access while maintaining cable bend radius integrity through the pivoting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic pivoting mechanism. The panel can rotate between closed and open positions, allowing flexible access to rear ports while the cable guide maintains continuous cable support throughout the motion, preventing bend radius violations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both trunk cables and patch cords approach from the same side, then port availability is improved, but installation and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments cable management into distinct zones: trunk cables enter through the panel rear and are routed separately, while patch cords access the front face. The cable guide creates physical separation between these cable types, allowing both to approach from the same side without increasing routing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide acts as an intermediary element between the panel and cables. It provides a structured interface that organizes trunk cables and patch cords into separate pathways, simplifying the routing of multiple cable types that approach from the same side.
3Ease of repair
If the panel is made movable to enable access, then ease of maintenance is improved, but cable damage risk worsens due to panel movement
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide is pre-configured with cable support surfaces and openings positioned to maintain proper cable geometry before, during, and after panel movement. This preliminary arrangement ensures cables remain properly supported throughout the pivoting motion, preventing stress and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable support function is extracted from the panel structure itself and implemented through a separate cable guide component. This allows the panel to pivot freely for maintenance access while the cable guide independently manages cable support, isolating cables from movement-related stress.
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
Enables easy access to rear ports while preventing cable damage and maintaining bend radius compliance, simplifying installation and maintenance by allowing the panel to pivot without disassembling the module, and accommodating both trunk cables and patch cords on the same side without reducing port availability.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge support having a first end and a second end and a panel hingedly connected to the hinge support
Data Source
AI summary
A cable guide includes a hinge support having a first end and a second end, a panel hingedly connected to the hinge support and having at least one through-opening, and at least one cable connection module, having a front and a rear, mounted in the at least one through-opening, the at least one cable connection module front having at least one port accessible from the front side of the panel and the cable connection module rear having at least one port accessible from the rear side of the panel, the cable guide also including a first arm projecting away from the first end of the hinge support, the first arm having at least one cable aperture configured to receive a cable.