Patent Application
20180092238
This patent application generally relates to data storage server configurations, and more specifically, to cable management.
Many servers and other computer systems contain components housed in a component rack in sliding drawers, which allows a user to easily access and replace the components. Conventionally, flexible cables are connected to the rear of the sliding drawer to provide power and/or communication to components in the drawer. The flexibility of the cables allows the cable to remain connected when the drawer is slid out of the rack. However, the cables must be as long as the desired travel length of the tray. Thus, if access to the entire length of the sliding drawer is desired, the cables must be at least as long as the length of the drawer. This causes the cables to occupy a considerable amount of space when the drawer is fully inside the rack, and the occupied space impedes airflow within the rack, limiting cooling of the components within the rack.
The cable management system introduced here may be better understood by referring to the following Detailed Description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate identical or functionally similar elements:
The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope of the embodiments. Further, the drawings have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be expanded or reduced to help improve the understanding of the embodiments. Moreover, while the disclosed technology is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the embodiments described. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims.
A cable management system is disclosed. In a representative embodiment, the cable management system includes a component rack including a top wall, a bottom wall, and first and second spaced apart sidewalls extending therebetween to define a rack interior. A pair of drawer slides are attached to the first and second sidewalls in the rack interior and a chassis is attached to the pair of drawer slides, whereby the chassis is movable between a stowed position inside the rack interior and a service position at least partially outside the rack interior. At least one cable retainer is attached to the chassis between the chassis and the first sidewall. A cable is positioned between the chassis and the rack. In an embodiment, the cable includes a first portion extending from the chassis, a second portion fastened to the cable retainer between the drawer chassis and the first sidewall in a looped configuration, and a third portion attached to the first sidewall. The second portion provides a service loop that allows the chassis to be moved between the stowed position and the service position without disconnecting the cable.
Various examples of the devices introduced above will now be described in further detail. The following description provides specific details for a thorough understanding and enabling description of these examples. One skilled in the relevant art will understand, however, that the techniques and technology discussed herein may be practiced without many of these details. Likewise, one skilled in the relevant art will also understand that the technology can include many other features not described in detail herein. Additionally, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail below so as to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description.
The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of some specific examples of the embodiments. Indeed, some terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this section.
As shown in
The cable 120 has a length that allows for movement of the chassis 114 between the service position and stowed position. With further reference to
In some embodiments, a cable guide 140, as shown in
The above description, drawings, and appendices are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in some instances, well-known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. Further, various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the embodiments.
Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.
The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and any special significance is not to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for some terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any term discussed herein, is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control.
