Cable Duct Cover Segmentation and Dynamic Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cable ducts are difficult to open and close reliably and lack robustness in design.

Innovation Solution

A cable duct with a multi-piece cover and separate urging members that engage with arc-shaped projections and grooves, allowing for pivotable and sliding mechanisms to securely attach and detach the cover, enhancing ease of use and structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single-piece cover is used that deforms to close the cable duct, then the structure is simpler, but the reliability of attachment and robustness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover structureVSAvoidattachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is divided into multiple separate cover parts (first cover part, second cover part, etc.) that can be independently positioned and attached. Each cover part has its own engaging portions that independently engage with the base member, distributing the attachment load and improving overall reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If manual opening force is applied to deform the base member or cover, then the cable duct can be opened, but the operation is difficult and requires excessive force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening easeVSAvoidopening force
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The cable duct incorporates movable elements such as pivotable cover parts and sliding mechanisms that convert small manual forces into larger opening forces through mechanical advantage. The engaging portions are designed to pivot or slide along arc-shaped grooves, allowing the cover to be opened with minimal force while maintaining secure attachment when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the cover and base member are made resiliently deformable, then the form-locking fit can be engaged, but the structural robustness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment easeVSAvoidstructural robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is segmented into multiple rigid cover parts instead of using a single deformable piece. Each cover part maintains structural robustness while incorporating localized flexible elements only where needed for engagement. The engaging portions can pivot or slide without requiring the entire cover structure to be deformable, thus maintaining strength while enabling easy attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If multi-piece covers are used as known from prior art, then the cover can be assembled in parts, but the attachment reliability and robustness are still insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidattachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-piece cover incorporates dynamic elements such as pivotable and sliding mechanisms that actively maintain attachment reliability. Each cover part can pivot about pivot axes or slide along arc-shaped grooves, creating a self-locking effect that ensures secure attachment. The engaging portions are designed to engage positively with the base member through these movements, preventing accidental disengagement while maintaining ease of assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 design facilitates easier and more reliable opening and closing of the cable duct while providing a robust structure, allowing for various sizes and opening forces through the choice of material and sizing of the urging member, ensuring secure attachment and reduced wear.

Implementation Method 1

at least one urging member, so that the cover is provided as a multi-piece cover with separate urging member, which urges the first and second cover parts with respect to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3595106B1Cable duct
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 PROFILGRUPPEN EXTRUSIONS
  • EP3595106B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3595106B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3595106B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cable duct (10) comprises a base member (20) and a cover (30), wherein the base member (20) has a cross-sectional form extending along a longitudinal axis (11) and forming a first and a second free end (21, 22) spaced apart from each other; the cover (30) is attachable to the base member (20) to form a receiving space (14). The cover (30) further comprises a first cover part (40) on which a first engaging portion (41) is arranged, a second cover part (50) on which a second engaging portion (51) is arranged, and at least one urging member (70) which urges the first and second cover parts (40, 50) with respect to each other when the first engaging portion (41) is engaged or brought into engagement with the first free end (21) and simultaneously the second engaging portion (51) is engaged or brought into engagement with the second free end (22).