Patent Publication Number: US-2015062858-A1

Title: Cable alignment devices and associated systems and methods

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/873,283, titled Cable Alignment Devices and Associated Systems and Methods and filed Sep. 3, 2013, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present technology relates generally to cable alignment devices and associated systems and methods. Particular embodiments are directed to cable alignment devices for aligning and registering a plurality of cables with an electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Several types of electronic devices use of multiple cable connectors. For example, sound engineers often use a mixing console, or audio mixer, to combine, route, and change the level, timbre and/or dynamics of audio signals. The audio input signals typically are produced at different respective levels. Exemplary audio input signals may be derived or received from a microphone, an audio tape recorder, a video tape recorder or similar electronic device. Typically, a plurality of electronic devices for signal input or output are connected to common mixing console or other common electronic device via a tangle of cables. Such use of multiple cables can create difficulty in keeping the cables organized, routing the cables to correct connection port on the common electronic device, and inefficient set up or adjustment when trying to form the connections between the multiple electronic devices. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is an isometric illustration of a cable alignment device interfaced with an electronic device and configured in accordance with embodiments of the technology. 
         FIG. 1B  is an isometric illustration of the cable alignment device of  FIG. 1A  detached from the electronic device and configured in accordance with embodiments of the technology. 
         FIG. 2A  is a top view illustration of the cable alignment device of  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the cable alignment device of  FIG. 2A  having a cable connector positioned therein and configured in accordance with embodiments of the technology. 
         FIG. 3A  is a top view illustration of a cable alignment device configured in accordance with embodiments of the technology. 
         FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the cable alignment device of  FIG. 3A  having a cable connector positioned therein and configured in accordance with embodiments of the technology. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present technology relates generally to cable alignment devices and associated systems and methods. Particular embodiments are directed to cable alignment systems for aligning and registering a plurality of cables with an electronic device, such as an electronic mixer. In some embodiments, a cable alignment system includes an electronic device having a plurality of receiving apertures therein. The system can include a plurality of cables configured to electronically communicate with the electronic device. The system can further include a cable alignment device configured to receive the plurality of cables. A plurality of projections can extend from the cable alignment device, and individual projections can be sized to fit within the individual receiving apertures. The cable alignment device can retain the cables in a fixed and spaced arrangement to position and/or attach all of the cables to the electronic device substantially simultaneously. 
     In some embodiments, the cables can be movable between a first configuration in which the cables are in electronic communication with the electronic device and a second configuration in which the cables are out of electronic communication with the electronic device. The cables can be collectively moved from the first configuration to the second configuration by a single movement of the cable alignment device. 
     In several embodiments, the receiving apertures can be in a receiving aperture pattern and the projections can be arranged in a projection pattern matching the receiving aperture pattern. In particular embodiments, the plurality of projections are generally linearly aligned in the projection pattern. In various embodiments, the individual projections are integral to individual cables or to the cable alignment device. In some embodiments, the individual projections include projection apertures therethrough, and individual cables have a plurality of electronic connection pins extending therefrom and are sized to fit in and extend through the projection apertures. In particular embodiments, individual projections are generally cylindrically-shaped. 
     In some embodiments, the cable alignment device includes individual shoulder portions proximate to individual cable apertures, and the shoulder portions are sized to retain the cables in a position relative to the cable alignment device. The shoulder portions can align the cables with the corresponding receiving apertures. 
     In another embodiment, a cable alignment device for aligning and registering a plurality of cables with an electronic device includes a connection plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The device can further include a plurality of projections extending from the second surface of the connection plate. The projections can include a plurality of apertures therethrough, where the apertures are sized to receive a portion of the cables and retain the cables in a fixed and spaced arrangement. In some embodiments, the apertures are spaced apart in a generally linear arrangement. 
     In still further embodiments, a cable alignment system includes an electronic device and a cable alignment device configured to retain a plurality of cables in a fixed and spaced arrangement. In some embodiments, the cable alignment device is movable between a first configuration in which the plurality of cables are out of electronic communication with the electronic device and a second configuration in which the plurality cables are collectively electronically registered with the electronic device. 
     Specific details of several embodiments of the technology are described below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-3B . Other details describing well-known structures and systems often associated with cable alignment devices and electronic devices have not been set forth in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the technology. Many of the details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the technology. Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present technology. A person of ordinary skill in the art, therefore, will accordingly understand that the technology may have other embodiments with additional elements, or the technology may have other embodiments without several of the features shown and described below with reference to  FIGS. 1A-3B . 
       FIG. 1A  is an isometric illustration of a cable alignment device  100  interfaced with an electronic device  110  and configured in accordance with embodiments of the technology.  FIG. 1B  is an isometric illustration of the cable alignment device  100  of  FIG. 1A  detached from the electronic device  110 . Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B  together, the electronic device  110  can be any type of electronic device having one or more input and/or outlet connections, and in particular embodiments the electronic device  110  can be a mixing console. The electronic device  110  can include a receiving component  120  with a plurality of connector receiving apertures  132  suitable for interfacing with individual input/output connectors (collectively referred to as “cable connectors  102 ”). The electronic device  110  can further include one or more controls  122  to perform various operations, such as adjusting an input signal provided by input connections. 
     The cable alignment device  100  of the illustrated embodiment removeably receives, aligns, and holds a plurality of the cable connectors  102  in a selected arrangement that matches the arrangement of the connector receiving apertures  132  in the electronic device  110 . As discussed in greater detail below, the cable alignment device  100  of at least one embodiment has a connector plate portion  112  with a plurality of spaced apart receiving apertures  230  that removeably receive and retain the cable connectors  102  in a selected arrangement and orientation relative to each other and the connector plate portion. The alignment device  100  also has a plurality of spaced apart projections  114  coaxially aligned with the receiving apertures  230  and configured so that portions of the cable connectors  102  extend through and/or are accessible through the projections. The projections  114  are sized to plug into the receiving apertures  132  in the electronic device  110  so that the cable connectors  102  operatively engage mating connectors in the connector receiving apertures  132 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of cables  106  connected to the cable connectors  102  are bundled via a cable bundler  104  and a sheath or conduit. In further embodiments, the cables  106  are not bundled. In still further embodiments, the cable connectors  102  do not include a cable  106 , and can be wireless. The cable  106  in the illustrated embodiment is a multi-strand cable containing electrical wires, although the cable in other embodiments can be a single strand cable, a fiber optic cable, a multi-strand or single strand communication line, a conduit, or the like. 
     The individual cable connectors  102  can include a communicative interface, such as pins  108 , to register with the electronic device  110 . More specifically, the pins  108  can mate with a corresponding interface (e.g., a male/female counterpart or electronic receptacle) at the receiving component  120  on the electronic device  110 . While each cable connector  102  is shown having two pins  108  extending from the projections  114 , the cable connectors  102  in other embodiments can have more or fewer pins or other types of communicative interface extending from or otherwise accessible through the projections  114 . The cable connectors  102  are releasably coupled to the connection plate  112  such that individual cable connectors  102  can be interchanged or removed from the connection plate  112  depending on the particular requirement of the electronic device  110  and the user. In further embodiments, each cable connector  102  can be retained in the receiving apertures  230  in the connection plate via a friction fit engagement, by a mechanical retention device (e.g., screws, clips, snaps, etc), or by a permanent attachment means. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the projections  114  on the cable alignment device  100  are sized and shaped to plug into or otherwise interface with the receiving apertures  132  in the receiving component  120 . The individual projections  114  can be integral to the connection plate  112 . In still further embodiments, the projections  114  can be removably coupled to the connection plate  112 . 
     In several embodiments, the plurality of projections  114  are provided in a pattern or arrangement that corresponds to or matches a pattern or arrangement of some or all of the receiving apertures  132  in the electronic device  110 . For example, the receiving apertures  132  and projections  114  can each be linearly aligned (e.g., a linear row of circular apertures  132  and projections  114 ). In another embodiment, the apertures  132  and projections  114  are linearly offset, arranged in a circular or rectangular pattern, or positioned in another arrangement, such as one that efficiently utilizes space on the electronic device  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the receiving apertures  132  and projections  114  can have the same cross-sectional shape. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, individual projections  114  are generally cylindrical with a circular cross-section. The receiving apertures  132  are likewise generally cylindrical recesses having a circular cross-section. In some embodiments, the receiving apertures  132  can include a communicative interface, such as conductive receiving pads or surfaces, to interface with pins  108  extending from and/or through the projections  114 . Although the illustrated embodiment shows a male/female interface wherein the cable connectors  102  have the pins  108  extending from the projections  114 , other embodiments can have a reversed male/female interface wherein the cable connectors have a female connector portion accessible through the projections  114 . Also, while the projections  114  and receiving apertures  132  are shown as having a circular cross-section, they can have other shapes (e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, polygonal, connected circles, etc.) or a combination of shapes in other embodiments, and need not necessarily all have the same shape. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the alignment device  100  holds the plurality of cable connectors  102  in fixed relationship relative to each other, such that the alignment device  100  and cable connectors  102  can be collectively moved between a first configuration in which the cable connectors  102  are in electronic communication with the electronic device  110 , and a second configuration in which the cable connectors  102  are out of electronic communication with the electronic device  110 . The connection plate  112  holds the cable connectors  102  in a fixed and spaced arrangement that matches the receiving apertures, so all of the cable connectors attached to the connection plate  112  can be substantially simultaneously positioned adjacent to and/or plugged into (or removed from) their respective receiving aperture  132  in the electronic device  110 . 
     In some embodiments, the connection plate  112  or other portion of the cable alignment device  100  can include one or more grip features, such as a roughened or high-friction material or surface to improve gripping for easier attachment or detachment between the cable alignment device  100  and the electronic device  110 . In various embodiments, the cable alignment device  100  can be at least partially made of plastic, silicone, rubber, or other suitable material or combination of materials. In other embodiments, edge portions of the connection plate  112  or other portions of the cable alignment device  100  can have one more securing mechanisms that releasably attach to the electronic device  110  to hold the connection plate  112  in a fixed position relative to the receiving apertures  132  so that the cable connectors  102  cannot inadvertently disconnect or disengage from the receiving apertures  132  and associated connection members therein. In yet another embodiment, the edge portions of the connection pate  112  or other portions of the cable alignment device  100  can have one more receiving portions for releasably receiving a locking mechanisms on the electronic device  110  that reliably locks the cable alignment device  100  and associated cable connectors  102  in position relative to the electronic device. 
       FIG. 2A  is a top view illustration of a cable alignment device  200  configured in accordance with embodiments of the technology.  FIG. 2B  is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the cable alignment device  100  of  FIG. 2A  having a cable connector  102  positioned therein. Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B  together, the projections  114  of the connection plate  112  include the receiving apertures  230 , each of which terminates at or adjacent to the projection  114 , and that communicates with pin apertures  234  that extend through the projection  114  and that receive the pins  108  therethrough. Accordingly, a shielded portion of each pin  108  is within its respective pin aperture  234 , and a connection portion of the pin  108  extends from the pin aperture  234  and the corresponding projection  114 . The exposed connection portion of the pin  108  can electronically connect to a corresponding communicative interface in the electronic device as described above. 
       FIG. 3A  is a top view illustration of a cable alignment device  300  configured in accordance with embodiments of the technology.  FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the cable alignment device  300  of  FIG. 3A  having a cable connector  302  positioned therein. Referring to  FIGS. 3A and 3B  together, the cable alignment device  300  has several features generally similar to those described above with reference to  FIGS. 1A-2B . For example, the cable alignment device  300  can include projections  314  sized and shaped for interfacing with a receiving component in an electronic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the projections  314  are integral to the cable connectors  302 . In several embodiments, the individual cable connectors  302  can include a communicative interface, such as one or more pins  308 , extending therefrom. The pins  308  can register with an electronic device as described above. 
     The cable alignment device  300  includes a connection plate  312  having a plurality of receiving apertures  330  for removably holding the cable connectors  302 . As described above, the connection plate  312  can retain the cable connectors  302  in a fixed and spaced arrangement to attach or detach all of the cable connectors  302  to a receiving component of an electronic device. In some embodiments, for example, the connection plate  312  can include a shoulder  336  within, around, or otherwise proximate to individual receiving apertures  330 . The shoulder  336  can prevent the cable connectors  302  from sliding through the apertures  330  (e.g., the shoulder  336  can “catch” or retain the cable connector in the aperture  330  or can otherwise ensure temporary attachment between the cable connectors  302  and the connection plate  312 ). In some embodiments, the shoulder  336  and cable connector  302  can include complementary engagement features (e.g., a groove, slot, projection, clasp, etc.) to align the cable connectors  302  in the apertures  330  so the cable connectors  302  can effectively interface with corresponding receiving apertures in the electronic device. 
     The technology disclosed herein offers several advantages over traditional cable alignment systems. For example, the cable alignment devices described above provide for easy, one-step attachment and detachment between an electronic device and multiple cables. This reduces the time it takes to set up the electronic device for use and organizes the multiple cables. Further, the alignment devices can prevent tangling among the multiple cables by keeping them in a fixed and spaced-apart arrangement. 
     From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the technology. Further, certain aspects of the new technology described in the context of particular embodiments may be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. Moreover, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein. Thus, the disclosure is not limited except as by the appended claims.