Cable management apparatus and method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable management systems fail to provide universal solutions for work surfaces of varying heights and structural designs, and offer limited options for data connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A cable management apparatus with an adjustable leg assembly and cap assembly that includes telescoping segments, power strip cords with coiled portions, and data ports, allowing for height adjustment from 482 mm to 1302 mm and secure mounting to work surfaces, while maintaining unobstructed cable and data ports through grooves and a releasable mounting system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing cable management systems are used, then cable organization is achieved, but they cannot be universally applied to work surfaces of varying heights and structural designs
Solution Approach 1:
The leg assembly incorporates telescoping segments that can extend and retract to adjust the height of the cable management apparatus. This dynamic structure allows the system to adapt to different work surface heights while maintaining a relatively simple overall design through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable management apparatus is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can be attached to various work surface structures. The mounting bracket and telescoping leg assembly provide multi-functional adaptability across different desk types and heights without requiring complex custom designs for each scenario.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing cable management systems are used, then cable routing is provided, but data connectivity options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus combines cable management functions with data connectivity features by integrating data ports directly into the mounting bracket and leg assembly structure. This merging of functions provides both cable organization and data connectivity within a single unified system rather than requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket and leg assembly serve multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, cable routing through integrated channels, and data connectivity through built-in ports. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while avoiding the added complexity of separate independent systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping segments are added for height adjustment, then adaptability to different heights is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leg assembly is divided into multiple telescoping segments that can extend and retract independently. This segmentation allows for height adjustment while keeping each individual segment relatively simple in design, avoiding the need for a single complex continuous structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping segments provide dynamic height adjustment capability, allowing the apparatus to adapt to different work surface heights. The mechanical telescoping mechanism maintains structural simplicity while achieving the desired adaptability through controlled movement of segments.
4Ease of operation
If coiled cable portions are used for expansion and contraction, then flexibility is achieved, but cable management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable incorporates coiled portions that function as flexible elements, allowing the cable to expand and contract as the telescoping leg assembly adjusts in height. This flexible coiled section provides the necessary cable management flexibility without requiring complex routing mechanisms or additional components.
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
Enables universal application across different work surface heights and designs, providing flexible cable and data connectivity solutions by adjusting height and maintaining port accessibility through telescoping segments and coiled cables.
Implementation Method 1
The middle coiled portion may be configured to expand and contract upon lengthening and shortening of the cable management apparatus, respectively
Implementation Method 2
The telescoping segments may comprise a groove configured to allow the one or more lower cable apertures to remain unobstructed by the two or more telescoping segments
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for cable management. The apparatus may include a cap assembly for attaching the apparatus to a work surface where a user desires to raise power and/or data connections vertically up to the work surface. The apparatus may further include a dynamic leg assembly for adjusting a height of the apparatus. Once installed, a user may raise or lower the work surface, thereby increasing or decreasing a height of the apparatus and its power and/or data connections.