Removable Cable Support Post for Network Device Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in physically supporting and routing numerous network cables from networking devices while maintaining a secure connection and minimizing cable bending, as existing solutions often require multiple supports and can impede port accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A cable support and routing system featuring a tray with a rail and bracket secured to the device, allowing removably coupled support posts with vertically displaced members to segregate and route cables, minimizing bending and ensuring secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cables are bundled together to maintain ordered routing, then cable organization is improved, but the bundle becomes heavy requiring multiple physical supports
Solution Approach 1:
The cable support structure is segmented into multiple individual support points (e.g., support members at different heights or positions) that can independently hold separate cables or cable groups. This segmentation distributes the weight of bundled cables across multiple light-weight support points rather than requiring heavy structural supports, resolving the contradiction between maintaining organized routing and managing bundle weight.
2Reliability
If physical support structures are provided to support cable bundles, then cable support is improved, but port accessibility is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures are extracted from the device housing itself and implemented as separate, removable components that can be independently installed and positioned. This allows the support function to be provided without permanent structures that would block port access, as the supports can be removed or adjusted when port accessibility is needed for module replacements or cable connections.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple support points are provided every 1.5 to 2.0 inches, then minimal bend radius is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly distributing support points throughout the cable routing path, local quality is applied by placing support members only at specific locations where cables naturally bend or where port connections occur. This selective localization provides adequate bend radius control at critical points without requiring supports every 1.5-2.0 inches, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining cable integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a tray, where the tray includes a rail and a bracket that secures the rail to a networking device such that the rail is distanced from a surface of the networking device. A support post is removably coupled to the rail. The support post includes a first support member and a second support member vertically displaced from the first support member, where each of the first and second support members includes a support structure that supports a cable connected with a port at the surface of the networking device and routes the cable away from the networking device to another location distanced from the networking device. The cable supported by the first support member is separated and segregated from the cable supported by the second support member. With minimal touch, a support post can be moved from one location to another along the rail.