Polymeric Clip and Base Assembly for Cable Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Computer systems face disorganization and inefficiencies due to unmanaged cables with varying lengths and connector gaps, limiting flexibility and optimal design in cable management.
Innovation Solution
A clip and base assembly featuring polymeric clips with elastic arms and a support arm, integrated into a base with notches and an elongated slot, allowing adjustable positioning and secure fixation to manage cables effectively across different computer systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cables are left unmanaged, then device operation is simple, but cable organization deteriorates and flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms are designed to be movable between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the cable management assembly to dynamically adapt between a simple open state and an organized engaged state. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing operational simplicity when needed while enabling flexible cable management when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management assembly is divided into separate functional components: elastic arms for gripping, support arms for positioning, and a base for mounting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving both operational simplicity and cable management flexibility simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed cable management is used, then cable position is stable, but connector location flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly transitions from a fixed mounted position on the base to an adjustable position along the cable, while the elastic arms provide stable gripping force. This dynamic positioning capability allows the cable management point to be relocated as needed while maintaining stable cable organization at each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed with multiple mounting locations and the assembly can function both as a fixed mount and as a movable cable organizer along the cable length. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing both stable fixed positioning and flexible relocation capability.
3Strength
If elastic arms are made rigid for strong cable holding, then cable grip strength increases, but ease of positioning decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms utilize elastic deformation to provide strong gripping force when engaged with the cable, while remaining flexible enough to be manually positioned. The material and geometry are designed so that the arms deflect under load to create strong grip, but can be easily deflected by hand for positioning, resolving the strength versus ease of operation contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms are designed with specific material properties and geometric parameters that allow them to exhibit different mechanical behaviors under different conditions: easy to deflect for positioning under low force, but provide strong grip force when engaged. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between grip strength and positioning ease.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The assembly provides a flexible and optimized cable management solution, accommodating various cable lengths and connector gaps, enhancing operational ease and reducing cable disorganization in computer systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first and second elastic arms is moveable between a first position and a second position
Data Source
AI summary
A clip and base assembly includes at least one polymeric clip and a base. The clip includes first and second elastic arms, and a support arm. The clip forms an aperture therein. The first and second elastic arms move between first and second positions. The first and second elastic arms are located on opposing sides with the support arm in between. The base includes a first and second sets of notches, and an elongated slot. The first set of notches is sized and shaped to receive the first elastic arm. The second set of notches is sized and shaped to receive the second elastic arm. When the first and second elastic arms are in the second position, the clip is moveable in the elongated slot. When the first and second elastic arms are in the first position, the clip is fixed respect to the base.