Cable storage under a drawer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cables in server chassis tend to become tangled when the server or hard disk drawer is pulled out and pushed back, and conventional cable support mechanisms require significant space and obstruct heat dissipation.
Innovation Solution
A cable storage apparatus that secures cables underneath a hardware drawer using a wall, roller, and flattening appendage, with a cable housing such as a mylar belt or microchain, allowing the cables to be stored neatly and minimizing rear chassis clutter, thereby improving heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cable arm support mechanism is used to prevent cable tangling, then cable organization is improved, but the device occupies significant space and obstructs heat dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable support function from the traditional cable arm structure and relocates it to the drawer assembly. The cables are now supported by the drawer bottom and sides rather than by a separate cable arm structure, eliminating the need for the space-consuming cable arm while maintaining cable organization functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by storing cables underneath the drawer rather than allowing them to extend outward. The cables are routed through the drawer assembly and stored in the vertical space beneath the drawer bottom, transitioning from a horizontal space occupation to utilizing vertical clearance space
2Ease of operation
If a cable arm support mechanism is used to prevent cable tangling, then cable organization is improved, but heat dissipation is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable arm structure that was blocking the heat dissipation path. By integrating cable support into the drawer assembly and storing cables underneath, the obstruction to airflow and heat dissipation from the server blade is eliminated while cable organization is maintained
3Ease of operation
If cables are allowed to extend freely for drawer access, then ease of drawer operation is improved, but cables become tangled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares the cable path in advance by creating guide structures and storage spaces within the drawer assembly. The cables are pre-routed through the drawer bottom and sides, and a storage space is prepared underneath the drawer, so that when the drawer is moved, cables automatically follow the predetermined path and are deposited neatly in the pre-prepared storage space rather than tangling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structures including the drawer bottom, drawer sides, and a flattening appendage that act as mediators to guide and control cable movement. These intermediary structures provide a controlled path for cables during drawer operation, preventing direct contact and tangling between cables while maintaining ease of drawer access
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a wall of a drawer adapted to secure a set of cables at a first end, the set of cables can be housed in a cable housing, the wall coupled to a roller and a flattening appendage. In some implementations, the apparatus can comprise a deck comprising a plate adapted to secure the set of cables at a second end, the plate located at a midpoint of the deck. Alternatively, a drawer is adapted to slide along the deck, a shelf attached to the drawer. The flattening appendage presses down on the first end of the set of cables and the roller presses down on the second end of the set of cables as the drawer is opened and closed such that the set of cables is stored neatly under the drawer.