Asymmetric Corrugated Cable Guide for Cleanroom Particle Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable management systems fail to effectively prevent the release of abrasive particles generated by friction while being complex to manufacture and maintain, especially in applications requiring dust-tight protection like cleanrooms.
Innovation Solution
A corrugated hose-like covering with asymmetrical bending behavior is used, allowing it to support cables without additional support chains, featuring different profiles on the inside and outside to manage curvature and reduce deflection, and optionally supplemented with a separate support frame for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional energy chain with individual links is used, then cables can be guided through three-dimensional movements, but abrasive particles are released due to friction between adjacent links
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible corrugated hose as a dust-tight enclosure that completely surrounds the cable management device. This flexible shell maintains the three-dimensional movement capability while preventing abrasive particles generated by internal friction from escaping into the environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention nests the cable management device within a corrugated hose enclosure. The cables and support structures are contained inside the flexible hose, creating a nested configuration that isolates the friction-generated particles while preserving the outer flexibility and movement capability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If additional frames are attached around joint connections to prevent abrasion escape, then particle containment is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching multiple rigid frames around joint connections, the patent uses a single flexible corrugated hose that envelops the entire cable management device. This approach achieves particle containment with a simpler, more integrated structure that is easier to manufacture and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the protective enclosure function with the cable guidance function by using the corrugated hose to both contain particles and provide structural support for cable movement. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate protective frames and reduces overall device complexity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a corrugated hose covering is used to prevent dust escape, then particle containment is achieved, but unsupported lengths are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different corrugation profiles at different locations along the hose. The asymmetrical bending behavior is created by having tighter corrugations in regions requiring support and more flexible corrugations where longer unsupported lengths are needed, allowing the hose to provide both dust containment and extended support capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The corrugated hose is designed with dynamic bending characteristics that allow it to adapt to different cable lengths and configurations. The asymmetrical profile enables the hose to maintain its dust-tight enclosure while dynamically adjusting to longer unsupported lengths through controlled flexibility in specific zones.
4Ease of manufacture
If a monolithic extruded sheath is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but flexibility and curvature control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a corrugated hose structure that inherently provides flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process. The corrugated design allows the hose to be extruded or formed with standard techniques while the periodic ridges and grooves provide the necessary flexibility and curvature control for cable management applications.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
The invention relates to a cable management device (100; 400; 500) for cables, hoses, or the like, particularly for cleanroom applications, which has a flexible sheath (210... 610). The sheath (210... 610) is, for example, designed in the form of a corrugated hose. According to the invention, the sheath (110; 410; 510) has, at least in one longitudinal section, a separate, externally attached support structure (440; 540; 940) with a plurality of circumferentially extending transverse ribs (444; 944). The support structure (440; 540; 940) has two opposing and longitudinally extending supports (442; 542; 942) which support the plurality of transverse ribs (444; 944). The supporting framework (440; 540; 940) gives the cable guidance device (100; 400; 500) an asymmetric bending behavior with respect to curvature around the deflection axis (A) and to opposite curvature.Also proposed is a support rib module as well as a kit for such a cable management device (100; 400; 500) with support frame (440; 540; 940).