Multilevel Cable Management via Horizontal Divider
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computer systems with hot-pluggable components, the mounting of these components throughout the depth of the interior can hinder hot-swapping efforts, reduce cooling efficiency, and occupy valuable space, while traditional cable management arms add weight and block airflow.
Innovation Solution
A multilevel cable management system with a horizontal divider and elongated openings that guide cables between levels, allowing for efficient cable routing and airflow management without the need for additional cable management arms, enabling hot-pluggable components to be serviced without disrupting the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hot-pluggable electronic components are mounted throughout the depth of the computer system interior, then component accessibility is improved, but hot-swapping capability deteriorates and cooling efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system interior is divided into multiple levels (first level and second level) separated by a horizontal divider. Hot-pluggable electronic components are mounted on a moveable tray at the second level, while other components are mounted at the first level. This segmentation allows the hot-pluggable components to be isolated on the moveable tray, enabling hot-swapping capability while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by creating a multilevel structure with a horizontal divider. The moveable tray with hot-pluggable components is positioned at a different vertical level (second level) compared to other components (first level). This dimensional change allows cables to pass through the horizontal divider via elongated openings, maintaining connectivity while enabling hot-swapping operations without interference from components mounted throughout the entire depth.
2Ease of operation
If hot-pluggable electronic components are mounted throughout the depth of the computer system interior, then component accessibility is improved, but cooling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal divider segments the computer system interior into separate levels, isolating hot-pluggable components on the moveable tray at the second level. This segmentation prevents preheating of cooling air by components mounted throughout the entire depth, as cooling air can now flow more efficiently through the separated levels without being heated by components upstream in the same airflow path.
3Ease of operation
If cable management arms are added to manage cables connected to hot-pluggable components, then cable management capability is improved, but device weight increases and airflow is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable management function from a separate cable management arm structure and integrates it into the horizontal divider itself. The elongated openings in the horizontal divider provide cable routing capability directly at the level where hot-pluggable components are mounted, eliminating the need for additional cable management arms and their associated weight and airflow obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal divider is designed to combine multiple functions: it separates the multilevel interior structure, supports the moveable tray with hot-pluggable components, and provides cable routing capability through its elongated openings. By merging cable management functionality into the existing horizontal divider structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate cable management arms, reducing overall device weight and improving airflow.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack-mountable computer system includes a horizontal divider that divides a chassis interior of the computer system into a first level and a second level. A plurality of electronic components are mounted on the first level and a plurality of electronic components are mounted on a moveable tray of the second level. The horizontal divider includes one or more elongated openings and a plurality of cables that pass through the one or more elongated openings. The plurality of cables connect the electronic components mounted on the first level to the electronic components mounted on the moveable tray. The one or more elongated openings guide the plurality of cables to slide within the one or more elongated openings as the moveable tray is moved into or out of the chassis interior.