Semi-Enclosed Cable Management Arms for Network Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The proliferation of network devices and cables leads to organization and storage issues, with unrestrained cables potentially damaging each other, particularly in environments like service provider stations where numerous ports and interface cards require multiple cables.

Innovation Solution

A cable management device comprising a support member with semi-enclosed arms and flexible retainers that allow cable organization and retention, featuring adjustable angles and materials for secure attachment to devices, minimizing weight while maintaining functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If numerous cables are used to connect network devices with multiple ports, then connectivity and functionality are improved, but cable organization and storage become problematic and damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconnectivityVSAvoidcable organization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management device divides cables into separate channels using semi-enclosed arms and retainers, organizing multiple cables into distinct pathways. This segmentation prevents cables from tangling and rubbing against each other, solving the organization problem while maintaining support for numerous connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable management device acts as an intermediary structure between network devices and cables. It provides a framework with multiple arms and retainers that mediate cable routing, preventing direct contact between cables and harmful surfaces while maintaining connectivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If cables are allowed to move freely, then ease of connection is improved, but cable damage from rubbing against surfaces and each other increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable connectionVSAvoidcable damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses flexible retainers and semi-enclosed arm structures that can adapt to cable movements while providing protection. These flexible elements guide cables through designated pathways, preventing them from rubbing against harmful surfaces while allowing sufficient movement for connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The semi-enclosed arms and retainers serve as intermediary protective structures between cables and harmful environments. They create controlled pathways that allow cable movement for connection while preventing contact with surfaces that could cause abrasion or damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a robust cable management structure is implemented, then cable protection is improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable protectionVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs flexible retainers and thin-walled semi-enclosed arm structures that provide adequate cable protection without excessive weight. These flexible elements offer sufficient guidance and protection while maintaining lightweight construction suitable for portable network equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The structure uses optimized dimensional parameters and material properties to achieve the right balance between protection and weight. The semi-enclosed arms and retainers are dimensioned to provide just enough structural support for cable protection while minimizing material usage and overall device weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2979340B1Cable management device
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC
  • EP2979340B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2
  • EP2979340B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4
  • EP2979340B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A wire management device can facilitate the organization and retention of a plurality of wires. The wire management device may include a plurality of semi-enclosed arms through which a plurality of wires can be passed. The plurality of semi-enclosed arms can support the plurality of wires, and one or more of the wires can be directed outside of the wire management device, at various positions along the wire management device, through gaps between adjacent semi-enclosed arms. In some implementations, flexible cable retainer(s) can be attached to the plurality of semi-enclosed arms and can be operable to preclude wires from being inadvertently removed from the wire management device.