Compact Power Cord Retention Device for Rack Servers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power cord retention mechanisms are too wide and interfere with hot-swappable modules, causing issues with plugging and unplugging, and may lead to accidental disconnection and system failure.
Innovation Solution
A compact retention apparatus with a buckle and housing design, featuring teeth and a stop feature to secure the buckle, a receiver with a guide and securing element, and a handle portion to release the buckle, allowing for secure cable retention without damaging the buckle and accommodating smaller spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional power cord retention mechanisms are used, then cable retention is achieved, but the device width increases and interferes with hot-swappable modules
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a receiver portion integrated into the housing and a movable buckle portion with teeth that engages with the receiver. This segmentation allows the retention function to be achieved while maintaining a compact overall form factor that does not interfere with hot-swappable modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The buckle is designed to nest within the receiver housing when engaged, with the teeth of the buckle fitting into corresponding features of the receiver. This nesting arrangement minimizes the external dimensions of the retention mechanism while maintaining secure cable retention capability.
2Reliability
If conventional power cord retention mechanisms are used, then cable retention is achieved, but accidental disconnection can still occur
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle is designed as a movable component that can be easily shifted between engaged and disengaged positions. The teeth on the buckle interact with the receiver in a way that provides stable retention during normal operation but allows for easy manual release, enabling both reliable connection and simple hot-swappable module operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism is designed to be self-locking through the interaction between the buckle teeth and receiver features, maintaining secure connection without requiring additional fastening actions. The movable nature of the buckle allows it to self-adjust and maintain engagement while preventing accidental disconnection.
3Reliability
If the buckle is completely inserted into the receiver, then secure retention is achieved, but the buckle may become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
A stop feature is incorporated into the receiver to prevent the buckle from being completely inserted. This stop feature engages with a corresponding feature on the buckle before complete insertion can occur, thereby preventing damage to the buckle while still providing secure retention through the tooth engagement mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 2B
AI summary
A retention apparatus is provided for securing a cable into a receptacle of an electronic device. The retention apparatus includes a body with two distal ends. A buckle is located at one distal end while a housing is located at the opposite distal end. The buckle includes at least one tooth. The housing includes a receiver configured to secure the buckle and a handle portion. The receiver includes a securing element and guide. The securing element includes at least one notch to interconnect with the at least one tooth of the buckle.