Entanglements: Not Knot Theory

I believe it has someting to do with quantum entanglement.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_entanglement

Wiki has several suggested wirepaths for cables. For example:

These are but a few shown under http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knot_theory No formulae, but lots of interesting wirepaths.

You know, kidding aside, I take some pride in cable management inside my enclosures, and I have let that habit creep into my office. Over the years, I have snapped a few pics of horrendous 'rat nest' installations I have encountered... ya gotta love the guy who could only afford one color and gauge of solid wire! Would you send us a snap of your rodent condo? I will look around for my photos, and see if I can beat it!

Sort of got away from your thread here... Hijack?

Tidy wiring is a sign of a sick mind...

I would lose my mind, but it is so sick that it can not crawl very far.

Greetings fellow untangler .

Actually, I have become rather anal-retentive about wire management in my old age, at least as it regards what is "seen". It takes a little time, but in the end, all is more neatly organized. Currently on my desktop (a real one, not on the computer ), all the wiring is visible, so I took the time to wrap everything so it stay in place. Also, because my laptop computer is my primary computer, and because it has to often be disconnected and re-connected (sans some nifty all-in-one connector), it makes life a little simpler.

Of course, what happens "down under" isn't so beautiful, but I hanked and zip-tied the wires so all were the same length to the power strip. Of course, because all this is "through the hole", to move it entirely would be to dismantle it, but at least now that all is in place, it stays there. The biggest hassle comes when I have to 'move' or replace a piece of gear (HD, monitor, etc.), but it's not too bad.

Kind regards ...

Dcad,

that looks brilliant, I found that I could not use these excellent devices as my wire bundle was too thick to be enclosed by it. It is a Desktop with about 12 USB connections apart from the main connections, power, video, network etc

I had bought the device, cannot remember what it is called, but also found it difficult to use the tool which you use to enclose the cables withinn the wrapping device.

I have had to resort to use Cable ties!

But well done to you!

Sleepy

You have either written the grand unification theory for physics or a very good String theory. I would publish, as it looks as good as anything out there.

I would try using a product called "Wire Loom". Electronic hobby stores have the best selection of the various styles.

Sailors been dealing with this problem for over 500 years. Each line (cable) is neatly routed and excess in each line (cable) is individually coiled and bounded (cable tied).

Then the rat-nest becomes a thing of elegence and beauty.

Also, your formula should include kinking factors for the different forms of cables such as: power cords, coaxial cables, ribbon type transmissions lines, etc.

I was hoping someone could quantify the equation, without calculus! The thinking behind the equation that even with the wrap and separation was required, the amount of criss-crosses would be quite high. The reason for the whole equation divided by two, is that it take "two to tangle", if a person only had one wire the chances become quite small t'=<1. The power of n is giving me some grief as <1 is too small and >2 would be too large. Real life examples would have to be studied for at least three years.

Now where are my pencils, abacus, slide rule, wide ruled paper and my big butt government grant application?.

I doubt you will get your wish of avoiding calculus...

There will a limit to the number of entanglements, er tangles. Also, the equation needs variables for the width (relative to the length) of the cables, the standard deviation of cable width, the propensity for the cable to coil when free, and cble stifness.

Additionally, there must be a variable for the number of cable motions...perhaps per unit time.

It might be useful to look at the effect of one cable being added, especially if free ends of other cables must be repositioned because the damn plugs won't fit in the recepticle beside each other becausse some genious put the adapter right at the plug.

Benbenben