Modular Cable Trough System for Data Center Airflow and Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional data center cable management systems, such as raised flooring and fixed cable troughs, face challenges like high costs, limited adjustability, cable routing complexities, and obstructed airflow, making it difficult to manage and expand cable infrastructure efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A modular cable trough system with adjustable side walls and interconnecting members that can be stacked or positioned next to each other, allowing for tool-less installation and increased cable capacity, while maintaining a compact footprint and enabling vertical adjustment to accommodate varying cable requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed cable troughs are used, then installation is simple, but cable capacity is limited and adjustability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cable trough is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently assembled and configured. Each section can accommodate different cable types and sizes, allowing the system to adapt to varying cable capacity requirements while maintaining a relatively simple individual component structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The trough incorporates adjustable components such as movable dividers and reconfigurable mounting positions, enabling the cable management system to dynamically adapt to changing cable routing requirements and capacity needs without requiring complete system replacement.
2Ease of operation
If raised flooring is used for cable routing, then cables can be organized, but airflow to equipment is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system transitions from horizontal cable routing under raised floors to vertical cable routing along equipment racks. This dimensional change allows cables to be organized and managed in the vertical space above equipment while preserving horizontal airflow paths beneath the floor for cooling.
3Quantity of substance
If more cables are added to existing infrastructure, then connectivity increases, but routing becomes more complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The trough system uses segmented, modular sections with internal dividers that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows multiple cables to be organized into separate channels within the same physical space, increasing cable capacity while maintaining manageable routing through structured compartmentalization.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable trough includes a tray having a tray portion extending along a generally horizontal plane with two opposite side edges, a first side wall portion extending along one side edge of the tray portion on a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the tray portion, and a second side wall portion extending along the other side edge of the tray portion on a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the tray portion. The cable trough further includes a first side wall having at least one first attachment configuration constructed and arranged to secure the first side wall to the first side wall portion of the tray, and a second side wall having at least one second attachment configuration constructed and arranged to secure the second side wall to the second side wall portion of the tray. Various cable trough systems and methods are further disclosed.