Sliding Cable Guide Connector for Dense Chassis Cable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable management in networking devices is challenging due to increasing port density, requiring flexible and adjustable solutions to align with changing card configurations and maintain proper bend radius, while avoiding interference with adjacent modules.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable cable management system comprising a cable guide connector that slides and rotates within a networking chassis slot, allowing for selectable angles and positions to align with cable exit positions, ensuring efficient routing and preventing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cable management is implemented in high-density networking devices, then cable routing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management bracket is designed with movable and adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different cable configurations. The bracket includes adjustable arms and positioning mechanisms that can be reconfigured based on the specific routing needs, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that optimizes cable management without requiring a completely complex fixed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management bracket is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides cable support, routing guidance, spacing maintenance, and interference prevention. By integrating these multiple functions into a single bracket structure, the patent reduces the need for multiple separate components, thereby improving cable routing efficiency while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable cable routing is implemented, then adaptability to different card configurations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system is divided into modular components including the bracket, arms, and positioning elements that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be configured for specific card arrangements without requiring the entire structure to be complex, enabling adaptability while keeping individual component complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket incorporates movable arms and adjustable positioning mechanisms that can be reconfigured for different card configurations. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to various networking device layouts without requiring multiple fixed structures, thereby improving versatility while limiting the need for excessive structural complexity.
3Reliability
If cable bend radius is maintained, then cable integrity is improved, but space utilization worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management bracket is designed with curved surfaces and rounded edges that guide cables through smooth arcs, maintaining the required bend radius without creating sharp angles. This curved geometry ensures cable integrity by preventing stress concentration while efficiently using the available space within the networking device enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket provides localized cable support at critical points where bend radius maintenance is most important, rather than requiring uniform spacing throughout the entire cable path. This targeted approach maintains cable integrity in high-stress areas while optimizing space utilization in other regions.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed comprising a cable management bracket and a cable guide connector configured to engage a slot of a networking chassis having a length extending along a first axis. The cable guide connector comprises a center section configured to slide within the slot along the first axis and having an aperture configured to receive a retainer to secure the cable guide connector by compression at a selected position along the length of the slot. The cable guide connector further defines a plurality of apertures configured to engage a protrusion of the cable management bracket and defines a plurality of selectable angles at which the cable management bracket can be positioned relative to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis through which the slot extends.