Rack-Mounted Overhead Cable Support for Dense Patching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media patching systems face challenges in managing increasing cable density due to limitations in ceiling-mounted support structures, which may not be feasible in older buildings or when ceiling modifications are not possible, and require a more cost-effective and unobstructive solution for cable management.
Innovation Solution
Overhead rack supports that are mounted directly to the top of racks or cabinets, providing multiple levels for cable support and allowing direct routing without relying on ceiling support, with customizable designs that include seismic features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If ceiling-mounted support structures are used for cable management, then cable support capacity is improved, but installation feasibility deteriorates in older buildings or when ceiling modifications are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is extracted from the ceiling mounting location and repositioned to mount directly on top of the rack cabinet. This eliminates the dependency on ceiling modifications while maintaining cable support functionality. The overhead rack support achieves this by using the rack cabinet itself as the mounting substrate, thereby removing the constraint of ceiling availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack cabinet top surface serves as an intermediary mounting platform between the floor and the cables. Instead of mounting directly to the ceiling or floor, the support structure uses the rack cabinet as a intermediate substrate, enabling cable management without requiring ceiling or floor modifications in the building infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If ceiling-mounted support structures are used, then cable routing support is improved, but cost increases due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is extracted from the building infrastructure (ceiling) and relocated to the rack cabinet itself. This eliminates the need for expensive ceiling modification work, structural engineering assessments, and professional installation services that would be required for ceiling-mounted systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack cabinet serves its own dual purpose: it houses the equipment and simultaneously provides the mounting substrate for cable management. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate ceiling infrastructure and reduces overall system cost.
3Ease of manufacture
If overhead rack supports are mounted to the top of racks, then installation cost is reduced, but structural load capacity must be increased on the rack
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead rack support utilizes a composite structural design combining the rack cabinet frame with additional bracing elements. The support structure integrates the existing rack vertical posts with horizontal cross-braces and mounting plates, creating a composite load-bearing system that distributes the cable weight across multiple structural points rather than concentrating load on a single location.
Data Source
AI summary
An example overhead rack support is provided. The overhead rack support includes a first support assembly and a second support assembly, each of which includes a base component, first and second vertical components coupled to the base component, and at least one horizontal component extending through an opening in the first and second vertical components and coupled to the first and second vertical components. The overhead rack support includes a first brace member coupled to the first vertical components, and a second brace member coupled to the second vertical components.