Abstract:
A device for deterring displacement of a cable is effectuated in an embodiment of the invention by an enclosure that envelopes the cable and an affixing mechanism that couples the enclosure to the cable, where the cable is oriented in an assembly such that the enclosure contacts a feature internal to the assembly and deters displacement of the cable.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of cable construction. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for deterring cable displacement. 
     2. Related Art 
     Cable assemblies are common in a wide spectrum of electrical interconnection applications. Such applications include routing of signals between modules and systems within integrated electronic platforms and chassis. This application is especially widespread in larger platforms such as multi-chassis rack mounted assemblages, an architecture typical of larger computers such as Web and DBMS servers, communications equipment, instrumentation and control panels, and the like. 
     Exponents of this architecture are routinely designed for compliance with a host of engineering practices and standards. Movement, vibration, and shock are some of the factors taken into account in their mechanical design for reliability. This is helpful, considering that many such assemblages may be designed for portability and transportability, including use while in motion. Further, even equipment designed for stationary mounting and use may be subject to these factors from seismic activity. Thus, even such equipment is also designed with these factors in mind. 
     Shock and vibration testing is a common modern engineering test practice to verify design intent. They are perhaps one of the more rigorous sources of such phenomena such assemblages may ever encounter. Thus, these assemblages, including that of their electrical terminals and connectors, must be designed to withstand rigorous shock and vibration testing, to certify their compliance to engineering and quality standards, as well as to assure ability to cope with such phenomena in situ. 
     Peripheral component interconnect (PCI) cards and other printed circuit boards (PCB) in such assemblages are commonly connected to parallel-lying slots, and, in certain applications, are kept separated one from the other in movement, shock, and vibration conditions with electrically insulating planar spacers, such as On-Line Replacement (OLx) dividers. Cables routed within such assemblages are routed in such ways as to minimize their displacement under movement, shock, and vibration conditions. 
     Cables are typically terminated via their plugs, receptacles, and other such electromechanical appliances installed on each of its ends. These terminals electromechanically couple to complimentary plugs and receptacles installed on components, stages, and/or modules, etc., within the assemblage. This complimentary electromechanical coupling effectuates two useful features. 
     First, it enables the cables to electrically interconnect components, stages, and/or modules, etc., within the assemblage. For example, a PCI and a module backplane may be electrically coupled via their own accessible receptacles, through a cable and complimentary plugs and receptacles installed on each end thereof. Second, the electromechanical coupling mechanically holds the cable end in place where it is terminated, preventing the electrical intercoupling there from disconnecting inadvertently. 
     To effectuate the feature of mechanically securing the cable termination, the movement, shock, and vibration design considerations are important. Thus, conventionally, cables terminals are often designed to incorporate lock-on mechanisms of some type. With reference to Prior Art FIG. 1, one common technique to secure the termination of a cable  1 C is the use of screw in fasteners, such as a threaded female receptacle  1 S on the stationary terminal and a complementary male screw  2 M on the cable end. Another common conventional design is a clip  3 S on another stationary end, and a complementary clip holder  4 M on the cable end. 
     In some instances however, such lock-on mechanisms may be unavailable. In certain circumstances, this unavailability may be especially likely. For example, in test runs, field repairs, and emergency situations, impromptu cable repairs may be desirable, even necessary, but complementary termination locking hardware may be absent from the parts at hand. Cables terminated under such conditions may lack lockdowns. 
     Also, when PCIs are added or replaced, off the shelf PCIs frequently have no fasteners available; such boards are simpler and frequently less expensive than boards with such hardware mounted. In some applications, such boards are preferred for another reason; absence of cable locking hardware offers a lower profile and better clearance volume. Thus, cables may lack or lose their lockdowns for the sake of terminals taking up less space. 
     For a cable lacking terminal securing locking hardware, another conventional technique is illustrated in Prior Art FIG.  2 . In this technique, a cable  2 C is routed beneath a top cover TC and over the top edges of a set of insulating Olx dividers  202  and  204  to minimize the distance and nonlinearity of its routing path. Cable  2 C is terminated by the unlocked electromechanical mating of its own terminating connector  5 M and the stationary connector  6 S on a PCI board PC 2 . However, this solution may prove inadequate under significant shock and vibration conditions, as an assemblage may experience under shock and vibration testing and/or in situ. 
     When shock and vibration testing is applied to assemblages with a cable connected lacking termination fasteners, or when such assemblages are subjected to similar perturbances in situ, it is possible that one or both of the cable terminations may fail under the corresponding stresses and strains. This may be an especially likely danger where the cable&#39;s own length is displaced within the assemblage by movement caused by horizontal, vertical, and torsional forces imposed upon it. 
     Mechanical failure, e.g., disconnection, of the termination may cause the cable terminal to break free from the complimentary receptacle to which it is coupled. Such disconnections result in electrical decoupling, with corresponding interruption of signals, control, power, and communications flow, and related, incidental and consequential failures, including system shutdowns, crashes, etc. 
     Hence, conventional cable assemblies are often susceptible to damage or disconnection due to mechanical movement, shock, and/or vibration, especially when employed without a terminating fastener. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A device for deterring displacement of a cable is effectuated in an embodiment of the invention by an enclosure adapted to envelope the cable and an affixing mechanism adapted to couple the enclosure to the cable. The cable is oriented in an assembly such that the enclosure contacts a feature internal to the assembly and deters displacement of the cable. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Prior Art FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a pair of conventional locking cable terminations. 
     Prior Art FIG. 2 depicts a conventional cable routing scheme. 
     FIGS. 3A,  3 B, and  3 C depict a sleeve device and cable routing scheme from different perspectives, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 depicts a unitary, uninterrupted compressible cable sleeve, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 depicts a unitary compressible cable sleeve with a longitudinally cut slit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 depicts a unitary compressible cable sleeve with a spiral cut slit, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 7A,  7 B, and  7 C are schematic diagrams of different perspectives of a sleeved SCSI cable assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the steps in a process for preparing a cable for deterrence of displacement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the steps in a process for deterring cable displacement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. 
     For a cable having an outer jacket, a method for deterring displacement of the cable is effectuated by enveloping the outer jacket by an enclosure and routing the cable such that the enclosure abuts the edges of a divider or a component. In one embodiment, a method for deterring displacement of the cable is achieved by a system effectuated by a enveloping instrumentality, mechanism, or other effective means. One embodiment effectuates a device operable for deterring displacement of a cable. Other embodiments effectuate devices operable for deterring displacement of a cable in an assemblage, such as a computer, server, instrumentation and/or control rack or panel, or other electronic apparatus and/or machine. 
     Certain portions of the detailed descriptions of embodiments of the invention, which follow, are presented in terms of processes and methods (e.g., processes  800  and  900  of FIGS. 8 and 9; respectively, etc.). Although specific steps are disclosed in such figures herein describing the operations of these processes and methods, such steps are exemplary. That is, embodiments of the present invention are well suited to performing various other steps or variations of the steps recited in the flowcharts of the figures herein. 
     Embodiments of the present invention are discussed primarily in the context of a method, system, and devices for deterring displacement of a cable. 
     With reference to FIGS. 3A,  3 B, and  3 C, a system  300  is depicted from different perspectives. System  300  deploys means to deter displacement of a cable, especially under conditions of movement, shock, and/or vibration, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A cable  301  is routed through the internals of a module  303  of an assemblage  304 . A top cover  319  covers module  303 . 
     In the present embodiment, assemblage  304  is a rack or cabinet mounted electronic assemblage, such as a computer, a server, a communications equipment bay, an electrical control panel, a process control panel, an instrumentation and control panel, a medical or laboratory instrumentation panel, etc., or the like. Module  303  is a module within assemblage  304 , housing, for example, certain PCI and other circuit boards, systems, subsystems, etc. or the like. 
     Cable  301  is routed through module  303 , in the present embodiment, interconnecting submodules within. The part of cable  301  not shown for example, may run to a connection on the backplane of a submodular component in another part of module  303 , not shown. However, the part visible in FIG. 3 terminates via a connector  305  to a receptacle connector  306  on a submodular PCI  307 . A fanlike array  310  of smaller, individually insulated conductor bearing wires or fiber optic channels emerges from an outer jacket  311  of cable  301  to terminate at terminal connector  305 . Although such a configuration of cable  301  is shown in FIGS. 3A,  3 B, and  3 C, the present invention is well suited to be practiced with a cable configured in a different manner. 
     Receptacle connector  306  and connector  305  form an electrical (or optical) interconnection mechanically secured only by the mechanical pressure of their insulating structures pressing or rubbing together, or otherwise forming a contact, as well as similar forces exerted by their electrically conducting interconnecting parts, such as pins and sockets, blades and fingers, etc. No securing hardware, such as screws and clips and complementary receptacles, are deployed. 
     Module  303  has running through a part of itself an array of substantially parallel plug in submodular PCI receptacles, e.g., slots along a floorplane below, not shown. Further, an array of insulating dividers such as Olx dividers  308  separate PCIs plugged into these slots, to electrically insulate their exposed components and traces one from the other during hot installation and/or removal and movement, shock, and vibration conditions. OLx dividers  308  are secured, in slots or otherwise, in an array substantially parallel to each other. In the present embodiment, there are two Olx dividers  308  shown. 
     Cable  301  is routed in the present embodiment through module  303  such that a run of its length lies crossing edges  309  of Olx dividers  308 . It is appreciated that, in another embodiment, cable  301  could just as well so traverse the edges of parallel PCIs plugged in, positioned and secured in the manner of Olx dividers  308  herein, and in one embodiment, actually insulated each from the other by Olx dividers  308 . 
     Along the length of cable  301  traversing Olx dividers  308  in the present embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, a sleeve  302  envelopes the outer jacket  311 . Sleeve  302 , in the present embodiment, and the portion of cable  301  it envelopes ranges from 60-70 millimeter (mm) of the length of cable  301 , and sleeve  302  is 15-16 mm in outer diameter. Although such dimensions are explicitly recited in regard to the present embodiment, the present invention is well suited to be practiced with other dimensions. 
     With reference to FIG. 4, a sleeve  302  of one embodiment is depicted. Sleeve  302  in the present embodiment is also 60-70 mm long, with an inner diameter of 7-8 mm and an outer diameter of 15-16 mm. An inner jacket  314  and an outer jacket  313  define a substantially cylindrical contour for sleeve  302 . This substantially cylindrical contour has two co-annular subcylinders, an inner cylindrical surface defined by inner jacket  314  and an outer cylindrical surface defined by outer jacket  313 . 
     Sleeve  302 , in one embodiment, has a solid, tough, rather smooth outer jacket  313 . In one embodiment, a similar inner jacket  314  makes contact between sleeve  302  and cable  301 . Between outer jacket  313  and inner jacket  314 , sleeve  302  is a foam material  315  having a substantially cellular consistency. Material  315  may have, in alternative embodiments, either a closed or dense cell foam structure, or various other material structures. In other embodiments, material  315  may be a hard plastic, a metallic spring, or a metallic mesh material. 
     In one embodiment, all constituents of sleeve  302  are electrically insulating. In one embodiment, there is no inner jacket, and material  315  comes in direct contact with outer jacket  311  of cable  301 . Sleeve  302  is affixed to outer jacket  311  of cable  301  by a glue complementary to both jackets, thermosetting, natural inter-adhesion, frictional coupling, etc. In one embodiment, an affixing mechanism  469  is effectuated by glue, thermosetting, complementary adhesion between said enclosure and said outer jacket, friction, resilient shape retention, and compression. 
     Inner and outer jackets  314  and  313 , respectively, bound the inner and outer contours of a foam filling  315 , having a substantially cellular structure of either a closed or dense foam constitution. It is appreciated that in one embodiment, the inner surface of sleeve  302  has no inner jacket, but rather an inner substantially cylindrical surface defined by the foam  315 , itself. 
     Material  315 , in one embodiment, is a polymeric foam material, such as urethane, neoprene, silicone, etc. It is appreciated that other embodiments may use other application-specific materials. Typical foams used in some embodiments have a density of approximately 1 pound per cubic foot. However, it is appreciated that foam densities from one half pound per cubic foot to one and one half pounds per cubic foot are adequate for many applications, and in some others, denser and/or less dense foams may be used. Hence, other embodiments may use different densities, accordingly. 
     It is appreciated that for many electronic applications, insulating materials must meet certain flammability specifications, promulgated by various engineering standards and/or safety codes. In the present embodiment, a foam is selected that complies with or exceeds the HF-2 flammability rating promulgated by Underwriters&#39; Laboratories (UL) of Northbrook, Ill. Other embodiments may deploy foam sleeves compliant with this and/or other flammability ratings, as required. 
     It is appreciated that sleeve  302  may be installed upon a cable (e.g., cable  301 ; FIG. 3) prior to installation of terminating connectors (e.g., terminal  305 ; FIGS. 3A,  3 B,  3 C). In alternative embodiments, a sleeve may be installed upon such a cable, even after installation of terminators. 
     With reference to FIG. 5, a sleeve  502  bears a straight slit  529  cut linearly through outer jacket  313 , foam  315 , and inner jacket  314 . 
     With reference to FIG. 6, a sleeve  602  bears a spiral slit  630  cut helically through outer jacket  313 , foam  315 , and inner jacket  314 . Sleeve  602  is deployed about a cable  301 . 
     Such cut sleeves  502  and  602 , as depicted respectively in FIG. 5 and 6, ease installation of substantially foam filled sleeves onto a cable (e.g., cable  301 ; FIG.  6 ). In particular, ease of installation of sleeves  502  and  602  is realized on a cable to which terminations (e.g., terminator  305 ; FIGS. 3A,  3 B,  3 C) have already been installed. 
     Installation of such sleeves  302 ,  502 , and  602  may be effectuated by different processes in various embodiments. One such process (e.g., process  800 ) is described in FIG. 8, below. In general, when a slit sleeve (e.g., sleeve  502 ,  602 ; FIGS. 5,  6 , respectively) is used, the sleeve may be wrapped, in various embodiments, about a cable (e.g., cable  301 ; FIG. 6) to achieve a snug fit. The slit may then be glued, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the slit may be self-adhesive, and close securely in that manner. In another embodiment, the sleeve may be secured by any thermosetting process, well known in the art. In one embodiment, an affixing mechanism  469  is effectuated by glue, thermosetting, complementary adhesion between said enclosure and said outer jacket, friction, resilient shape retention, and compression. 
     With reference again to FIGS. 3A,  3 B, and  3 C, system  300  routes, e.g., orients cable  301 , enveloped over a part of its length by a sleeve  302  such that the sleeve  302  lies upon edges  309  of Olx dividers  308  (or in another embodiment, the edges of a PCI or other component card parallel to the Olx cards) within assembly  303 . A top cover  319  is placed upon the top of the module  303  in which this portion of cable  301  runs through assemblage  304 . 
     When top cover  319  is placed atop module  303 , there is little clearance between the upper surface line of outer jacket  313  of sleeve  302  and top cover  319 . In one embodiment, top cover  319 , when secured into its position, as by screws, clips, bindings, etc., actually compresses sleeve  302  to some degree. In another embodiment, there is little or no actual compression of sleeve  302 . 
     However, in either embodiment, when forces are applied to cable  301 , such as by lateral acceleration due to movement, shock, vibration, and/or combinations of such circumstances, displacement of the cable  301  is advantageously deterred by frictional, compressive, and/or other restraining forces applied via the contiguity of the outer surface  313  of sleeve  302  with the edges  309  and/or top cover  319 . 
     Deterring lateral displacement of cable  301  by system  300  in this manner greatly improves the security of the electromechanical coupling between terminating connector  305 , at the end of cable  301 , which in one embodiment may be an SCSI cable, and complementary receptacle  306  on PCI board  307 . This increases the reliability of the electrical interconnection between connector  305  and receptacle  306 , and thus, of the functionality of assemblage  304  as a whole. 
     Referring now to FIG. 7, a small computer system interface (SCSI) cable  301  is depicted from different perspectives, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     A SCSI cable  301  has terminating connectors  310 - 1  and  310 - 2  at its opposite ends. Both connectors have electrical connectors therein exemplified by pins  366 - 1  and  366 - 2 , at each opposing end. No mechanical locking hardware is installed thereon either. Terminal  305 - 1  at one end has a pull loop/label  341  installed. 
     A sleeve  302  envelopes the outer jacket  311  of SCSI cable  301 . Individual conductors  310 - 1  and  310 - 2 , at opposite ends of the cable, emerge from the outer jacket of SCSI cable  301  to terminators  305 - 1  and  305 - 2 , respectively. 
     In the present embodiment, SCSI cable  301  is  850  mm long (±12.7 mm). Sleeve  302  is 65 mm (±5 mm) long. Conductor fanouts  310 - 1  and  310 - 2  are 25.4 mm long. Sleeve  302  is positioned 110 mm (±12.7 mm) from the end of SCSI cable  301  nearest to terminal  305 - 1 , e.g., from the end of SCSI cable  301 &#39;s outer jacket  311  on that end. Terminators  305 - 1  and  305 - 2  have a protuberance  373  of 10 mm (±3.2 mm) from the end of fanouts  310 - 1  and  310 - 2  to the terminator bodies  305 - 1  and  305 - 2  themselves. Although such specific dimensions are recited in the present embodiment, the present invention is well suited to be practiced with other dimensions. 
     In the present embodiment, SCSI cable  301  is a stranded cable conforming to UL standards for recognized appliance wiring such as VW-1 or better, and certified according to corresponding Canadian Safety Administration (CSA) standards. In one embodiment, insulating materials constituting insulation of SCSI cable  301  is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In the present embodiment, no UL or CSA certifications are specified. In one embodiment, connectors  305 - 1  and  305 - 2  are UL recognized and CSA certified components, and are constituted of materials having flammability ratings meeting or exceeding UL  94 V-2. It is appreciated that in other embodiments, ratings and specifications of SCSI cable  301  may vary. 
     SCSI cable  301  may be routed by a system (e.g., system  300 ; FIGS. 3A,  3 B,  3 C) such that displacement of the cable under conditions of movement, shock, and/or vibration is deterred. 
     With reference now to FIG. 8, the steps in a process  800  prepare a cable (e.g., cable  301 ; FIGS. 3A,  3 B,  3 C,  7 A,  7 B,  7 C) for deterrence of displacement, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Process  800  begins with step  801 , wherein a cable, the displacement of which under movement, shock, and/or vibration conditions is to be deterred, is examined. 
     During the course of this examination, in step  802 , it is determined whether terminating features (e.g., connectors  305 ; FIG. 3) are installed, in particular, at an end of the cable where displacement under movement, shock, and/or vibration conditions may be of especially serious concern, if any is more a more especially serious concern than the other. 
     If it is determined (in step  802 ) that terminating features are not installed on the cable, then in step  803 , an unseparated enclosure, e.g., one with no slits, separated seams, etc. (such as sleeve  301 ; FIG. 4) is selected. 
     In step  804 , this unseparated enclosure is slid or otherwise positioned onto the cable, enveloping a portion of its outer jacket (e.g., outer jacket  311 ; FIG.  3 A). 
     At step  805 , the enclosure is then affixed to the outer jacket, as by glue, thermosetting techniques, frictional coupling, etc. 
     Referring now to step  806 , fixedness of the enclosure about the outer cable jacket is assured by testing,. This testing may be accomplished either manually, or by using any of several mechanical testing instrumentalities known in the art 
     Then in step  807 , terminating appurtenances are installed, and process  800  is complete. 
     If however, in step  802  it is determined that terminating appurtenances are installed on the cable, then in step  808 , a separated enclosure, e.g., a slit one (e.g., slit sleeves  502 ,  602 ; FIGS. 5,  6 , respectively) is selected. 
     After so selecting a slit enclosure (step  808 ) it is determined in step  809  whether a spiral slit (e.g., spiral slit  630 ; FIG. 6) or a straight slit (e.g., straight slit  529 ) enclosure is preferred. 
     Reasons for such preference may include personal preference, cost, availability, ease of installation, enclosure profile, affixing medium to be deployed, engineering specification, handiness, speed of application, etc. 
     If a spiral slit enclosure is determined preferable (step  809 ), one is selected in step  810 . 
     If on the other hand a straight slit enclosure is preferable (step  809 ), one is selected in step  811 . 
     In step  812 , whichever slit design is selected, the enclosure is installed accordingly onto the cable outer jacket. 
     At this point, process  800  proceeds with step  813 , wherein the enclosure is affixed to the cable jacket. 
     Process  800  proceeds then to completion upon testing to assure fixedness of the application in step  814 . 
     With reference to FIG. 900, the steps in a process  900  effectuate the deterrence of displacement of a cable (e.g., cable  301 ; FIGS. 3A,  3 B,  3 C,  7 A,  7 B,  7 C). This may, as discussed above, be a particularly advantageous outcome, especially where the cable may be subjected to shock, and/or vibration conditions. 
     Process  900  begins with step  901 , wherein the outer jacket (e.g., outer jacket  31   1 ; FIG. 3A) of a cable is enveloped by an enclosure (e.g., sleeve  302 ; FIG.  3 A). This may be effectuated, in one embodiment, by a enclosure attachment process such as described herein (e.g., process  800 ; FIG.  8 ). 
     In step  902 , the cable is routed such that the enclosure abuts an edge (e.g., edges  309 ; FIG. 3A) of a divider, such as an insulating divider (e.g., Olx divider  302 ; FIG. 3A) or of a component such as an installed PCI board, or both. 
     In step  903 , it is determined whether the cable runs between this edge/these edges and a cover (e.g., top cover  319 ; FIG.  3 A). If not, process  900  is complete at this point. 
     If on the other hand, it is determined that the cable runs between edges and a cover, then the cover is placed in position over the cable enclosure; step  904 . 
     In step  905 , the cover is then attached in such a way that the enclosure is compressed, completing process  900 . This may be accomplished by screws, clips, bindings, etc., and/or any other attachment medium. Many such attachment media are well known in the art. 
     Advantageously, the displacement of the cable is thus deterred by forces acting upon the enclosure and thereby restricting changes in its position. Such forces may be frictional, compressive, and/or a combination of both. 
     In summary, for a cable having an outer jacket, a method for deterring displacement of the cable is effectuated by enveloping the outer jacket by an enclosure and routing the cable such that the enclosure abuts the edges of a divider or a component. 
     An embodiment of the present invention, a method of deterring displacement of a cable, is thus described. While the present invention has been described in particular embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present invention should not be construed as limited by such embodiments, but rather construed according to the following claims and their equivalents.