Cable Coiling Assembly With Dual Windings to Prevent Kinking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional coiling methods for cables and tubing are prone to tangling and kinking, especially when stretched beyond their yield point, and are not applicable to existing cables or tubing without extensive customization, which is costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A coiling device comprising a length of wire with distinct minor and major windings, where the minor winding secures the device to the object and the major winding coils it into a predefined shape, using materials like Nitinol or plastic, allowing for adjustable spring rates and configurations to manage cable or tubing effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coiling methods are used, then cables can be coiled, but they are prone to tangling and kinking when stretched beyond yield point
Solution Approach 1:
The coiling device is segmented into two distinct winding components: a minor winding that conforms to the cable cross-section and a major winding that creates the predefined coiled shape. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the minor winding secures the device to the cable while the major winding provides the coiling force, preventing tangling and kinking
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spring rate parameter of the coiling device to match the cable's mechanical properties. By adjusting the wire diameter, winding pitch, and number of turns in both minor and major windings, the device exerts optimal coiling force without exceeding the cable's yield point, thereby preventing permanent deformation and tangling
2Adaptability or versatility
If integral springs are integrated at manufacturing, then self-coiling is achieved, but extensive customization is required which is expensive and impractical for existing cables
Solution Approach 1:
The coiling function is extracted from the cable manufacturing process and implemented as a separate, attachable device. Instead of integrating springs during cable production, the coiling device is applied to existing cables, eliminating the need for extensive customization and making the solution universally applicable to various cable types and applications
Solution Approach 2:
The coiling device is designed with universal applicability through its minor winding that can conform to different cable cross-sections. The device can be attached to various cable types (electrical, electronic, tubing) without requiring custom manufacturing, providing a multi-functional solution for cable management across different applications
3Reliability
If cable is kept partially coiled to prevent yielding, then spring component functions in engineered range, but longer wire is required which adds cost and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The spring rate of the coiling device is precisely engineered by adjusting parameters such as wire diameter, winding pitch, and number of turns in both minor and major windings. This allows the device to exert optimal coiling force that prevents cable yielding while minimizing the amount of wire required, reducing both weight and cost compared to traditional approaches
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 maintains cables and tubing in a compact coiled state while allowing easy extension to full length, preventing tangling and kinking, and can be applied to existing cables or tubing without disconnection, offering customizable solutions for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the wire may be made of a super elastic material. For example, the device may be made of Nitinol
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making a device for coiling an elongated flexible object into a predefined shape includes the steps of winding a length of wire around an elongated first mandrel having a diameter approximately the same as a diameter of the object, winding the first mandrel, with the wire wound thereon, around a second mandrel which is configured to conform to the predefined shape, and heating the first and second mandrels to set the windings.