Articulated Cable Support Structure for Vehicle Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable-holder devices for articulated vehicles, whether rigid or articulated, fail to adequately support cables during vehicle movements, leading to mechanical stress, deterioration, and frequent repairs due to misalignments and complex construction, assembly, and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cable supporting device with a deformable laminar element and U-shaped cable-holder elements, supported by an inverted U-frame, that adapts to misalignments and distributes mechanical stress uniformly, maintaining cables in a predetermined plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid cable-holder devices are used, then cable protection is provided, but the devices deteriorate and are damaged quickly due to mechanical stresses from vehicle movements
Solution Approach 1:
The cable supporting device transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure with multiple degrees of freedom. The device includes articulated elements that allow movement in vertical, horizontal, and angular directions, enabling the cable holder to adapt to vehicle movements and misalignments between articulated units, thereby maintaining cable protection while withstanding mechanical stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates elements with variable stiffness characteristics. The articulated structure allows the device to change its mechanical parameters (rigidity, orientation, position) in response to external forces, transforming from a fixed rigid structure to an adaptive structure that can absorb and distribute mechanical stresses during vehicle operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If articulated cable-holder devices are used, then misalignment compensation is improved, but construction complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable supporting device is divided into multiple articulated segments or elements connected by joints. Each segment can move independently, allowing the overall structure to compensate for misalignments between articulated vehicle units. This segmentation provides adaptability while keeping individual components relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs articulated elements with multiple degrees of freedom that allow dynamic adaptation to misalignments. The structure can move vertically, horizontally, and rotate to maintain cable alignment despite relative movements between vehicle units, achieving high adaptability through controlled mechanical dynamics rather than complex active systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If articulated cable-holder devices are used, then misalignment compensation is improved, but assembly and cable placement difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is constructed from modular articulated segments that can be assembled in a standardized sequence. Each segment features connection interfaces designed for straightforward assembly, allowing workers to assemble the complex-looking device through repetitive, simple operations rather than complex precision assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated structure is designed to be pre-assembled with flexible connections that naturally accommodate movement ranges. This allows the device to achieve misalignment compensation capability through its inherent mechanical design rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during assembly, simplifying the installation process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively withstands mechanical stresses caused by vehicle movements, reducing misalignment-induced damage and the need for frequent repairs, while being easier to assemble and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible cable supporting device with a deformable laminar element and U-shaped cable-holder elements
Implementation Method 2
The device effectively withstands mechanical stresses caused by vehicle movements, reducing misalignment-induced damage
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a device for supporting cables for articulated vehicles, designed for installation close to a connecting compartment between two adjacent units of an articulated vehicle, including at least one flexible connecting element fixed to the two units and formed by a series of plates connected to each other by interposing deformable laminar elements consisting of elastic metal elements which allow the elastic deformation of the flexible connecting element, and a series of cable-holder elements joined to respective plates of the flexible connecting element to each define at least one receiving seat provided for housing at least one cable, with supporting means for supporting the flexible connecting element containing the cables.