Server Cable Sleeve Avoiding Power Socket Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In server systems, the obstruction caused by a power socket blocks the signal cable from being inserted into the housing, resulting in unused space and reduced space for electronic components on the sled.
Innovation Solution
A cable sleeve mounted to the sled that moves between a first and second position, allowing it to avoid the obstruction during insertion and utilize previously unoccupied space within the housing, with rotational mounting and torsion springs aiding in this movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the signal cable is positioned adjacent to the sled prior to insertion, then the cable can be positioned in the empty space between the power cable and sled, but the power socket forms an obstruction that blocks the cable from entering the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The cable sleeve is made movable relative to the sled, transitioning between a first position (aligned with cable channel) and a second position (clearing the power socket obstruction). This dynamic positioning allows the cable to navigate around the power socket during insertion while maintaining proper alignment after insertion, resolving the conflict between space utilization and insertion ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable sleeve is pre-positioned in the first position during assembly, aligned with the cable channel but ready to move. The system is prepared in advance with the cable sleeve in a position that allows smooth insertion, and the movement to the second position occurs automatically during the insertion process itself, preventing obstruction before it becomes a problem.
2Ease of operation
If the signal cable is positioned in the cable channel, then the cable can enter the housing without obstruction, but the empty space between the power cable and sled remains unutilized and reduces available space for electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The cable sleeve dynamically transitions from the first position (cable channel alignment) to the second position (clearing power socket) during insertion. This allows the system to achieve both smooth insertion (by clearing the obstruction) and space utilization (by positioning the cable optimally in the second position), eliminating the trade-off between these two requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable sleeve movement introduces a temporal dimension to the cable positioning problem. Instead of choosing a fixed position that compromises either insertion or space utilization, the system uses time-based positioning where the cable moves from one position to another during the insertion process, achieving both goals sequentially.
3Volume of moving object
If the cable sleeve is mounted to move between positions, then the cable can avoid the power socket obstruction, but the device complexity increases with rotational mounting and torsion springs
Solution Approach 1:
The cable sleeve is equipped with torsion springs that provide self-powered movement between positions. The spring mechanism automatically drives the cable sleeve from the first position to the second position during insertion and can return it to the first position, eliminating the need for external actuators, motors, or complex control systems. The system uses its own structural components to achieve the required movement, minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion spring acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cable sleeve and the sled. Instead of directly coupling the cable sleeve to complex actuation systems, the spring serves as a simple mechanical mediator that translates insertion motion into cable sleeve rotation, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving the desired positioning functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables the signal cable to be positioned in a cable channel, optimizing space usage on the sled and allowing for more electronic components, while ensuring smooth sled insertion without obstructing the signal cable.
Implementation Method 1
the cable sleeve is rotationally mounted to the sled and includes a torsion spring that aids in the movement of the cable sleeve from the first position to the second position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A server includes a housing, a sled, a cable sleeve mounted to the sled, and an obstruction in the housing. The housing defines a sled channel and a cable channel. The sled can be inserted into the sled channel. A cable is positioned in the cable sleeve. The obstruction is aligned with the cable channel. Prior to the sled being inserted into the housing, the cable sleeve is in a first position aligned with the obstruction and the cable channel. As the sled is inserted into the housing, contact between the cable sleeve and the obstruction moves the cable sleeve to a second position. In the second position, the cable sleeve is not aligned with the obstruction. The cable sleeve is biased towards the first position. As the cable sleeve travels past the obstruction, the cable sleeve moves back to the first position.