Modular Cable Management System with Rotatable Looms

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Solution Overview

Problem

In computing systems with high component density and numerous cables, existing cable management solutions fail to organize cables effectively, making it difficult to trace connections, add or remove cables, and accommodate different cable types, leading to disorganization and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A modular cable management system featuring cable management modules with rotatable looms and clips that attach to a supporting arm without tools, allowing for organized cable retention, easy addition/removal of cables, and flexible orientation to prevent damage, while accommodating various cable types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional cable management methods are used in high-density computing systems, then cables can be connected between devices, but the cables become disorganized and difficult to trace, leading to maintenance difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable tracing and maintenanceVSAvoidcable organization system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management system is divided into modular cable management units that can be independently installed and configured. Each unit contains cable retention features that segment and organize cables into distinct groups, making them easier to trace and manage in high-density environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Cable management units serve as intermediary components between computing devices and cables. These units provide structured attachment points and retention features that organize cables without requiring complex integration with the computing devices themselves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If cables are tightly bundled to save space, then space utilization improves, but cables become stressed and vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidcable stress and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management units provide localized organization at specific points along the cable path rather than uniform bundling throughout. The retention features create controlled attachment points that distribute stress locally, preventing concentrated stress points while maintaining compact organization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for dynamic cable management where cables can be easily added, removed, or repositioned within the modular units. This flexibility prevents permanent stress from rigid bundling while maintaining space efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed cable management structures are used, then installation is simple, but the system cannot accommodate different cable types or reconfiguration needs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcable type accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management system uses segmented modular units that can be independently selected and configured for different cable types and applications. Each unit maintains simple installation through standardized mounting while providing adaptability through modular composition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular cable management units are designed with universal mounting features and retention mechanisms that can accommodate various cable types and configurations. The same basic unit structure serves multiple functions across different installation scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If tool-less attachment is implemented for cable management modules, then ease of installation and maintenance improves, but attachment reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation and maintenance easeVSAvoidattachment security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management units feature self-attaching mechanisms that secure themselves to mounting surfaces without requiring external tools. The retention features automatically engage with mounting structures, providing both ease of installation and reliable attachment through self-locking designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11202386B2Modular cable management system

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

An example modular cable management system, that includes a base to attach to a support structure and a number of cable management modules to attach to the base. The base may include an attachment feature that is to attach to the supporting structure to vertically support the base, and an arm that extends from the attachment feature to which the cable management modules attach. The cable management module may include a clip and a loom. The clip may be attachable to the arm such that the clip is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the arm and may be removable from the arm. The loom may be attachable to and removable from the clips and configured to hold multiple cables.