Rack Cable Routing Device Using Telescopic Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for cabling computing devices in racks are inefficient and strenuous for cabling technicians, often requiring uncomfortable positions and increased costs due to the need for two technicians to manage cables through limited and hard-to-reach openings.
Innovation Solution
A rack cable routing system that includes a computing device rack with a cable securing base and an elongated handle. The cable securing base has cable securing elements to hold cables in place, and the elongated handle allows the cable securing base to be moved through the rack from one side to the other, facilitating cable routing without the need for two technicians.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cabling techniques are used with limited rack openings, then cable routing can be performed, but cabling technicians experience physical strain and require uncomfortable positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a telescopic rod that extends through the rack depth dimension, allowing the cable management base to reach cables at the rear of the rack without requiring the technician to contort into uncomfortable positions. The rod can be extended to match the rack depth, effectively adding dimensional leverage to the cabling operation.
2Productivity
If a single cabling technician performs cable routing, then labor costs are reduced, but cables may fall back out during the routing process
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management base with its retaining wall structure is positioned at the rear of the rack before cable installation begins. This preliminary positioning creates a ready-made cable management system that prevents cables from falling back out during the routing process, eliminating the need for a second technician to hold cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management base acts as an intermediary device between the technician and the cables. It provides a stable platform with retaining walls that holds cables securely during routing, transferring the support function from a second technician to a dedicated mechanical device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cables are packaged in roll or loop format, then cable flexibility is improved, but cables tend to coil, curl, and tangle during routing
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management base with its retaining wall structure converts the potential harm of flexible, roll-packaged cables into a benefit by providing a designated pathway and containment structure. The retaining walls guide the flexible cables through the rack without allowing them to coil or tangle, transforming the flexibility advantage into controlled cable management.
4Reliability
If two cabling technicians are used to route cables, then cable routing stability improves, but labor costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management base is designed to be self-sufficient, providing its own cable retention and management capabilities through integrated retaining walls. This eliminates the need for a second technician to perform the cable-holding function, allowing a single technician to complete the cabling task independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack cable routing device includes a cable securing base that includes cable securing element(s) that are configured to secure cable(s) to the cable securing base. The rack cable routing device also includes an elongated handle that extends from the cable securing base and that includes an elongated handle distal end that is opposite the elongated handle from the cable securing base. When cable(s) are secured to the cable securing base, the elongated handle may be moved into a computing device rack from a first side of the computing device rack such that the cable securing base is located adjacent a second side of the computing device rack that is opposite the computing device rack from the first side of the computing device rack while the elongated handle distal end of the elongated handle is located adjacent the first side of the computing device rack.