Multi-Channel Cable Track for Signal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable tracks in electronic devices often bundle power and signal cables together, leading to cross talk and interference, and require complete replacement when a cable fails, making installation and replacement cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A cable track system comprising pivotally connected unitary multi-channel links that separate power and signal cables into distinct channels, allowing for quick installation and replacement of preassembled connectors, and enabling the use of larger connectors by defining separate channels for each type of cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If power and signal cables are bundled together in the same cable track, then cable management is simplified, but cross talk and interference between cables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable track is divided into multiple separate channels within a single structural unit. Each channel is dedicated to specific cable types (power or signal), preventing mixing while maintaining integrated cable management. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by organizing cables spatially without increasing overall system complexity.
2Loss of time
If connectors are installed on cables before insertion into the cable track, then installation time is reduced, but the cable track must accommodate larger connector sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The cable track is segmented into multiple channels with varying width accommodations. Larger connectors are routed through dedicated channels designed to accommodate their dimensions, while smaller cables use narrower channels. This allows pre-assembled connectors to be installed without requiring the entire cable track to be widened.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable track utilizes a multi-channel three-dimensional structure rather than a single flat passage. By distributing cables and connectors across multiple vertical and horizontal channels, the design accommodates varying connector sizes without increasing the overall footprint, allowing pre-assembled connectors to be installed efficiently.
3Reliability
If the entire cable track is replaced when a cable fails, then reliability is maintained, but replacement time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable track is designed as a modular structure with distinct channels that can be independently accessed. When a cable fails, only the specific channel containing that cable needs to be opened and replaced, rather than replacing the entire cable track assembly. This maintains system reliability while significantly reducing replacement time and labor.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single cable track structure is used for all cables, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different cable and connector sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable track employs a modular multi-channel design where each channel can be optimized for specific cable and connector types. The overall structure remains manufacturable as a single integrated piece, while internal channels provide varied dimensions and configurations to accommodate different connector sizes and cable types, thus maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Example implementations relate to a cable track. For example, a cable track includes a plurality of pivotally-connected multi-channel links. Each of the multi-channel links may be a unitary body. A first channel may be located between a first outer member and a dividing member of the multi-channel link. A second channel may be located between a second outer member and the dividing member of the multi-channel link.