Cable Carrier Support Structure to Prevent Sagging Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
In work devices with movable work units, the weight of the cable carrier can cause it to sag, leading to stress concentration at the fixing portion and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A work device design that includes a cable carrier with a folded portion and an elastic member that biases the cable carrier upward between the folded portion and the first end, preventing sagging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the cable carrier is made longer to accommodate the movable work unit's travel distance, then the cable carrier can follow the work unit throughout its movement, but the weight of the straight section increases causing the cable carrier to sag and stress to concentrate on the fixing portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support structure that provides upward support force to counteract the downward gravitational force on the cable carrier. The support structure includes a support rod that contacts the cable carrier from below, creating a counterbalancing effect that prevents sagging and reduces stress on the fixing portion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a long reinforcing member is added to the cable carrier to suppress sagging, then the cable carrier maintains its shape, but the weight of the cable carrier increases affecting the operating speed of the work unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support structure as an intermediary element between the cable carrier and the fixed side device. This support structure assumes the burden of supporting the cable carrier's weight, allowing the cable carrier to maintain its shape without requiring additional reinforcing members that would increase its weight and affect operating speed.
3Strength
If the cable carrier is kept straight to prevent sagging, then stress on the fixing portion is reduced, but the cable carrier cannot flexibly follow the movable work unit's position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable carrier system into multiple segments: the U-shaped folded portion that provides flexibility to follow work unit movement, and the straight section that is supported by the support structure to prevent sagging. This segmentation allows different portions of the cable carrier to perform different functions - flexibility where needed and stability where required.
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 solution effectively suppresses sagging and damage to the cable carrier without increasing its weight, thereby maintaining the operating speed of the work unit.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member that biases the cable carrier upward in a region between the folded portion and the first end to prevent the cable carrier from sagging
Data Source
AI summary
A work device includes: a movable work unit that performs a predetermined process on an object; a cable carrier that includes a first end, a second end, and a folded portion, and houses and holds a cable connected to the work unit; a fixing portion that fixes the first end of the cable carrier to a predetermined position above a movable region of the work unit; a movable section that moves together with the work unit, the second end of the cable carrier being fixed to the movable section; and an elastic member that biases the cable carrier upward in a region between the folded portion and the first end to prevent the cable carrier from sagging.