Rack-Mounted Computing Cartridges for Compact Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of cables in datacenters is inefficient, leading to increased costs and reduced space utilization due to excess cabling and the need for complex cable routing between computing components.
Innovation Solution
The use of cartridges positioned within or in front of racks that facilitate connection between appliances at different heights, utilizing discrete cable lengths and fiber optic ribbons to simplify installation and management, allowing racks to be arranged closely without obstructing appliance movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable management methods are used to connect computing components at different heights, then connectivity between components is achieved, but cable complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system is segmented into modular cartridges that can be independently installed and configured. Each cartridge handles specific cable routing functions, dividing the complex cable management task into manageable segments that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Cartridges serve as intermediary devices installed on rack uprights, acting as mediators between computing components at different heights. These cartridges provide structured cable routing points that simplify the connection process between components, reducing cable complexity through standardized interfaces and routing paths.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cable routing structures are installed to manage cables between components, then cable management is achieved, but available space for computing components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system transitions from horizontal cable routing that consumes lateral space to vertical cable routing through cartridges mounted on rack uprights. By utilizing the vertical dimension for cable management, the system achieves effective cable organization without reducing the horizontal working area available for computing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridges are designed to nest within or attach to the existing rack upright structure, utilizing the vertical space already present in the rack framework. This nesting approach allows cable management functionality to be integrated into the rack structure itself without adding external bulk that would reduce available space for computing components.
3Area of stationary object
If racks are arranged closely to maximize space utilization, then space efficiency is improved, but cable routing and appliance movement become obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridges are pre-installed on rack uprights before computing components are positioned. This preliminary action establishes fixed cable routing points and pathways in advance, allowing racks to be arranged closely together while ensuring that cable routes are already determined and will not obstruct appliance movement or require complex routing through tight spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A rack may include a frame having vertical uprights and transverse members coupled together so as to form boundaries of an internal volume of the rack. The boundaries may include a first lateral face, a second lateral face, a front face, and a back face. A cartridge can be installed forward or rearward of the front face and laterally inward from the first lateral face or the second lateral face. Cables may be connected between the cartridge and a plurality of appliances. The cables may include a first cable extending between the cartridge and a first appliance supported by the rack. The cables may further include a second cable extending between a second appliance and the cartridge so as to establish a signal path between the first appliance and the second appliance through the first cable, the cartridge, and the second cable.