Wireform bracket for managing computer cables

Details Wireform bracket for managing computer cables Wireform bracket for managing computer cables

1999-04-29

2001-12-04

Picard, Leo P. (Department: 2841)

Electricity: electrical systems and devices

Housing or mounting assemblies with diverse electrical...

For electronic systems and devices

C361S825000, C361S826000, C361S689000, C174S0720TR, C248S068100, C248S049000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06327159

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the management cables extending from computer systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a wireform bracket that attaches proximate the rear of a computer system, and allows cables to be fastened to bends in the wireform bracket.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
In the art of computing, it is common to have a variety of cables coupled to various connectors at the rear of a computer system. Typically, the cables include power cables and various I/O cables which are coupled to connectors on PCI cards and other port connectors.
It is also common to stack a series of such computer systems in a rack, with the cables coupled between various systems in the rack, as well as between systems in other racks. In rack mounted systems, managing these cables is not an easy task. Consider a rack configured with six computer systems, with each computer system 12 PCI slots, a cable coupled to a connector on each PCI slot card (though a PCI slot card may have more than one connector), and a cable connected to a power connector. Such a rack will have 78 cable segments collectively coupled to the rear of the computer systems. Unless managed properly, the cables will become a tangled mass. Furthermore, a large number of cables proximate the rear of a computer system can block airflow, and potentially cause the computer system to overheat.
In the prior art, there are several techniques for dealing with cables. Such techniques include fixed troughs, hinged arms, flexible conduits, sheet metal bracketry, and molded plastic parts. However, none of these solutions provide a simple, elegant, low-cost solution for managing a large number of cables, while also allowing ample airflow at the back of a computer system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a wireform bracket that provides a simple, elegant, low-cost solution for managing a large number of cables, while also allowing ample airflow at the back of a computer system. A wireform bracket in accordance with the present invention includes a plurality of bends, with each bend proximate a connector on the backplane of a computer system when the wireform bracket is attached to the back of the computer system.
As cables are connected to the back of the computer system, each cable is fastened to the nearest bend using a tie-wrap, or some other cable fastening method known in the art. The present invention provides strain relief to the connectors by shifting any strain to the point at which the cable is attached to the wireform bracket, while also minimizing the disruption of airflow in the area immediately behind a computer system. The present invention also allows computer systems to be easily swapped. When swapping a computer system, all cables are disconnected and the wireform bracket is detached from the computer system. Thereafter, the wireform bracket is attached to the replacement computer system, thereby positioning cable connectors close to the corresponding connectors of the computer system and simplifying installation.
In one embodiment, a wireform cable is formed from a ⅛ inch thick piece of steel wire, though other materials and thicknesses may be used. This embodiment includes eight bends and is ideally suited for use in a computer system having six PCI slots. Those skilled in the art will understand how to adapt the teachings contained herein to adapt the present invention for use in other configurations.


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