Unfoldable Cable Guide for Rack Server Rear Space Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In server devices, the effective use of space in a rack is hindered by the need for sufficient length to accommodate folded wiring, which limits the size of each server in a rack of limited size and can cause interference between connectors and cables.
Innovation Solution
A cable guide device with an unfoldable cable guide and a cable holding member that holds cables in a bent state at a height different from the cable end, allowing the cable guide to unfold and reduce the rear space in the rack, thereby increasing the server size and preventing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wiring is contained in the space between the rear surface of the rack and the rear surface of the server in a folded manner, then the connector can be prevented from interfering with the wiring, but the space in the rack is wasted and the size of each server is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the cable arrangement from a 2D folded layout on the rear surface to a 3D spatial arrangement using the depth dimension of the rack. The cable guide extends cables along the depth direction from the rear surface toward the front, utilizing the available space volume rather than confining cables to a flat surface, thereby reducing the required rear space while preventing connector interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cable guide as an intermediary component between the connector and the rack rear surface. This cable guide mediates the cable routing by providing a structured path that separates the connector location from the cable path, allowing the connector to remain at the rear surface while cables are guided forward along the rack depth, thus preventing interference without wasting space.
2Reliability
If a sufficient length of space is provided between the rear surface of the rack and the rear end portion of the server, then the connector can be prevented from interfering with the wiring, but the server size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the cable routing strategy from requiring increased rear surface area (2D) to utilizing the rack depth dimension (3D). By guiding cables along the depth direction rather than requiring extended rear space, the server can maintain its full size while still preventing connector-cable interference through vertical and depth-based separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide is designed to be movable or adjustable along the depth direction, allowing dynamic adaptation of cable routing based on server position and cable length requirements. This dynamic capability enables the system to prevent interference without requiring fixed excessive space, as the cable guide can be positioned optimally within the available depth.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a housing supported by a rack in a manner such that the housing is drawable from a front surface of the rack; a cable whose one end is connected to an electronic device contained in the housing, where a portion of the cable in a longitudinal direction thereof is contained between a rear end portion of the housing and a rear surface of the rack; and a cable guide that guides the cable between the rear end portion of the housing and the rear surface of the rack, where the cable guide is unfoldable from a folded state between the rear end portion of the housing and the rear surface of the rack according to a drawing operation of the housing. The cable guide holds the cable at a height which differs from a height of the one end of the cable.