Ladder Rack Cable Retaining Post With Hook-Lock Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical support posts for ladder rack systems in data centers are inefficient in installation, costly, and heavy due to their multiple metal pieces that require assembly in the field, and are prone to lost small nuts and bolts.
Innovation Solution
A data cable retaining post with a front plate and a connection member featuring a hook, locking member, and tapered design, which securely attaches to the longitudinal main support of a ladder rack without the need for extensive assembly, reducing weight and material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vertical support posts are made from multiple metal pieces with nuts and bolts, then the retaining post can securely attach to the ladder rack, but the installation becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (vertical support, bracket, nuts, bolts, and plastic cap) into a single integrated one-piece molded structure. This merging eliminates the need for field assembly while maintaining the secure attachment function, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable attachment and installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single-piece retaining post integrates multiple functions into one component: structural support, attachment mechanism, cable confinement, and protective cap all in one element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts needed while achieving the same secure attachment effect
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vertical support posts use multiple assembled pieces, then the design can be flexible, but the installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining post is pre-assembled and molded as a complete unit during manufacturing, eliminating the need for field assembly. This preliminary action of combining all components before installation directly reduces installation time while maintaining design flexibility through the molded geometry
3Reliability
If conventional retaining posts use small nuts and bolts, then the attachment can be secure, but the small components are prone to being lost during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the attachment mechanism directly into the one-piece molded structure, eliminating separate small nuts and bolts. This merging prevents loss of small components during installation while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated design
4Strength
If conventional vertical support posts are made from multiple metal pieces, then the structure can be strong, but the overall weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite construction combining metal for structural strength with a plastic cap for protection and cable confinement. This composite approach reduces overall weight compared to all-metal constructions while maintaining the necessary structural strength through strategic material placement
Data Source
AI summary
Presented is a data cable retaining post for retaining data cable laid along a ladder rack having a pair of longitudinal main supports, a first of the longitudinal main supports having an upper surface and a lower surface. The data cable retaining post includes a front plate and a connection member, the connection member having a lower portion forming a hook, a mid-portion forming a locking member, and an upper portion. When installed on the first of the longitudinal main supports of ladder rack, the lower portion of the connection member is adapted to be positioned with the hook surrounding the lower surface of the longitudinal main support and the mid-portion is adapted to be positioned adjacent the upper surface of the longitudinal main support such that the locking member locks the data cable retaining post to the longitudinal main support.