Spring-Biased Cable Chain Return System for CRU Servers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable chain systems for customer replaceable units (CRUs) in servers and RAID devices lack an efficient mechanism to return to a retained position, leading to cable entanglement and improper storage during replacement processes.
Innovation Solution
A cable chain return system utilizing a spring-biased cable chain with links of limited arc rotation, forming folding curves in opposite directions, which is initiated by a spring engaging the cable chain biased section towards the chassis when the CRU is moved from an extended to a retained position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a cable chain system is used for customer replaceable units, then cable protection and organization are improved, but cable entanglement and improper storage occur during replacement processes
Solution Approach 1:
The cable chain is designed with articulated links that can dynamically change configuration between extended and folded states. The links rotate about pins to transition from a linear extended position during CRU removal to a compact folded position during installation, adapting to the operational requirements of each phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable chain is divided into multiple rigid links connected by rotation pins, allowing each segment to move independently. This segmentation enables the cable chain to fold into sequential curves and return to its retained position without cable entanglement, solving the storage problem during CRU replacement.
2Ease of operation
If the cable chain is extended for CRU removal, then accessibility is improved, but return to retained position becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism attached to the chassis provides automatic return force that actively pulls the cable chain back to its folded retained position after CRU removal. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual folding and ensures consistent return without additional complexity.
3Strength
If links are made rigid for structural stability, then cable protection is improved, but folding flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable chain is divided into multiple rigid links connected by rotation pins, allowing each segment to move independently. This segmentation enables the cable chain to fold into sequential curves and return to its retained position without cable entanglement, solving the storage problem during CRU replacement.
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
The system effectively prevents cable entanglement by organizing cables into sequential folding curves, ensuring smooth storage and easy replacement of CRUs by utilizing stored return energy in the spring to facilitate the folding action.
Implementation Method 1
placing a spring adjacent to the cable chain proximal end that engages the cable chain biased section and the chassis so that the spring biases the cable chain biased section towards the chassis to initiate forming of the plurality of folding curves
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a cable chain return system 100 that includes a spring 170 for assisting folding and organization of a cable chain 110. When a customer replaceable unit (CRU) 210 is extended from a chassis 140 to gain access to connectors on the back of the CRU 210, the cable chain 110 is extended. When the CRU 210 is moved back into the chassis 140, a plurality of folding curves 130 organize the cable chain 110, and cables 118 therein, without damaging the cables 118 or inhibiting positioning of the CRU 210 in the chassis 140. One of these curves 130 is initiated by the spring 170 and therefore aids in returning and organizing of the cable chain 110.