Horizontal Cable Manager With Snap-To-Rack Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current horizontal cable managers require users to manually fasten the base to the equipment rack with one hand while holding the cable manager with the other, and they often lack efficient mechanisms for organizing cables and wires effectively.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal cable manager design featuring a base with arrow-shaped fingers, hinge supports, and a snap-to-rack feature that allows for easy attachment and detachment, along with molded sections that can snap together, providing a secure and flexible system for cable management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional horizontal cable managers are used, then cable organization is achieved, but installation complexity increases due to manual fastening requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cable manager is divided into modular components: a base unit with attachment features and interchangeable finger assemblies. This segmentation allows the main body to be easily mounted to the rack while cable management fingers can be swapped based on specific needs, simplifying both installation and customization.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism incorporates movable elements such as spring-loaded clips or snap-fit features that transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic design enables quick attachment and detachment without requiring manual fastening operations, directly improving installation ease.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fingers are added to improve cable organization, then cable management capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cable management functionality is segmented into separate finger assemblies that can be independently selected and attached. Each finger assembly is a self-contained module with a specific number and configuration of cables, allowing users to mix and match fingers based on cable density requirements without redesigning the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger assemblies are designed with universal attachment interfaces that work with the base unit and with each other. A single base can accommodate various finger types (different cable capacities, orientations), providing multi-functionality without increasing base complexity.
3Reliability
If permanent attachment is used to secure the cable manager, then stability improves, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is pre-configured with alignment features and guide elements that automatically position the cable manager correctly during installation. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for manual alignment and reduces installation time while ensuring stable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system incorporates self-locking or self-sealing features that automatically secure the cable manager to the rack without requiring additional fastening steps. Once positioned, the mechanism self-activates to create a stable permanent attachment, reducing both installation time and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a horizontal cable manager. A horizontal base can include a first molded section and an identical second molded section adapted to be coupled together. The horizontal cable manager can include a plurality of fingers extending from each one of the first molded section and the second molded section. The fingers can include a shaft and an arrow-shaped end. The arrow-shaped end can include a first triangular member and a second triangular member each coupled to opposite sides of the shaft at a first distance away from a distal end of the shaft. The horizontal cable manager can include hinge supports with a cover removably coupled to the hinge supports. The horizontal base can include an attachment hole, a first extension, and a second wing extension for temporary attachment to an electronic equipment rack.