Modular Cable Management Device for Optical Waveguides

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cable management devices for optical waveguide cables lack flexibility and adaptability to varying user needs, particularly in terms of fiber connection density and modular structure, which limits their ability to efficiently manage and route multiple cables in data center environments.

Innovation Solution

A cable management device with a modular structure, comprising a 19-inch insert for standard racks, featuring multiple releasable and interchangeable cable management modules, a movement compensation channel, and a locking mechanism, which supports high fiber connection density and flexible cable guidance, allowing for individual adaptation to different user requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cable management devices use a fixed non-modular structure, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying user needs and fiber connection density is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying user needsVSAvoidmodular structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management device is divided into multiple independent cable management modules that can be selectively assembled. Each module can be individually configured and replaced based on specific fiber connection density requirements, allowing the system to adapt to varying user needs without requiring complete device replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable management modules are designed with universal interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow them to be interchangeably assembled in different configurations. The same module type can serve multiple functions depending on its position and combination with other modules, enhancing adaptability while controlling complexity through standardization.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If cable management modules are made movable and interchangeable, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity and locking mechanism requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management modules are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the cable management system. Modules can be easily inserted, removed, and repositioned to adapt to changing cable routing requirements, providing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is designed as a separate, easily engageable component that can be independently added or removed. This extraction approach allows the main module structure to remain simple while providing secure locking functionality only when needed, without integrating complex locking systems into the base design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cable management modules are used to support high fiber connection density, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber connection density supportVSAvoidnumber of modules
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Cable management modules are designed to be nested or stacked within the device housing, with each module containing cable routing channels and management elements. This nesting approach allows multiple modules to occupy compact space while maintaining individual functionality, supporting high fiber connection density without linearly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3404461B1Cable management device
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 REICHLE & DE-MASSARI
  • EP3404461B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3404461B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3404461B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention is based on a cable management device, in particular for optical waveguide cables, comprising at least one cable management unit (10), which comprises at least one cable management module (12, 14, 16, 18) which has a modular structure and which is movable from a storage position to at least one processing position and vice versa.