Adjustable Cable Insertion Aid with Flexible Tube

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insertion aids for cables and cable harnesses in the automotive industry are not easily adaptable to individual requirements, such as varying lengths and channel sizes, and often require multiple elements and complex attachment methods, leading to difficulties in easy insertion and removal.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable connecting element that links the tube and insertion element, allowing for customizable length adjustments and a streamlined design to prevent catching on edges or bends, featuring a positive connection and flexible materials to facilitate easy insertion and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different insertion elements of different lengths are used to meet individual requirements, then adaptability to various cable harness sizes and shapes is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need to manage and attach multiple different elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to various cable harness sizes and shapesVSAvoidcomplexity of managing and attaching multiple different elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion element is designed with adjustable length through a telescopic mechanism, allowing a single element to adapt to different cable harness lengths dynamically. This eliminates the need for multiple fixed-length elements while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element serves multiple functions: it attaches the insertion element to the tube, allows length adjustment, and provides a streamlined profile. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid connection is used between the tube and insertion element, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in insertion and removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stability of the connectionVSAvoidease of insertion and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the tube and insertion element uses a dynamic fastening mechanism that allows easy attachment and detachment while maintaining structural stability during use. This enables the connection to transition between a stable state during operation and an easily separable state for removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the insertion element has a streamlined design to prevent catching on edges, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase to maintain the streamlined shape

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmooth insertion without catchingVSAvoidprecision required for streamlined shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The insertion element features a rounded, curved profile instead of sharp edges or angular shapes. This streamlined curvature allows smooth passage through cable channels and around bends, preventing catching while being manufacturable with standard tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP2556999B1Aide à l'introduction pour câble
Publication Date: 2015.09.09 LIPSTICKS SPORTPROD
  • EP2556999B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2556999B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2556999B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The insertion tool has a tube (1) made of textile material, which is connected with an elongated and elastically bendable insertion portion (8). A connecting element (5) is provided for directly or indirectly attaching the insertion portion to the tube. A fixture is arranged in such a way that the insertion length of the end of the insertion portion opposite to the connecting element at the end of tube, is adjusted. A belt (3) is positively connected to the connecting element.