Integrated Cable Duct Joint to Eliminate Internal Pin Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable ducting joints with pivot elements protrude into the cable housing space, causing obstacles and potential damage to cables and safety hazards for operators.
Innovation Solution
The hinge element is integrated with one of the plate elements, protruding from only one face to minimize intrusion into the cable space and forming a radially extended flange for stable coupling, reducing the number of parts and avoiding protrusions within the duct.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional articulated joint with a separate pin element is used to connect duct segments, then the joint achieves stable coupling and rotational movement between duct segments, but the pin protrudes into the cable housing space creating obstacles and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The pin element is merged with one of the plate elements to form an integral articulated joint. The pin is formed as a protrusion extending from the first plate element through the second plate element, eliminating the need for a separate pin component. This integration removes the protruding pin from the cable housing space while maintaining the rotational coupling function between duct segments.
2Reliability
If a separate pin element is used in the articulated joint, then the joint achieves stable coupling, but the number of parts increases and fabrication becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pin element is merged with one of the plate elements to form an integral articulated joint. The pin is formed as a protrusion extending from the first plate element through the second plate element, eliminating the need for a separate pin component. This integration reduces the number of parts while maintaining the rotational coupling function.
3Reliability
If a separate pin element with collar and deformable end is used, then the joint achieves stable coupling and positioning, but the device requires multiple separate components increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The pin element is merged with one of the plate elements to form an integral articulated joint. The pin is formed as a protrusion extending from the first plate element through the second plate element, eliminating the need for a separate pin component. This integration reduces the number of parts while maintaining the rotational coupling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated joint is segmented into two main plate elements that are coupled together. The first plate element includes the protrusion that forms the pin, while the second plate element has the through-hole. This segmentation allows each element to be formed separately and then assembled, simplifying manufacturing compared to forming a complex single-piece joint.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
A joint for a cable ducting is described comprising a first plate element (20) adapted to be operatively coupled to an end portion of a first cable duct and a second plate element (22) adapted to be operatively coupled to an end portion of a second cable duct facing said first duct along a predetermined ducting direction, wherein the first plate element (20) and the second plate element (22) are rotatably coupled to each other on parallel planes. The first plate element (20) comprises a through-hole (20f) and the second plate element (22) comprises a hole with protruding edge (22r) protruding from one face of the second plate element (22) in a direction orthogonal thereto, which is disposed through the through hole (20f) whereby it emerges with the free end (22s) on the opposite side and determines an axis of mutual rotation of the plate elements, the free end having a flange (22s') radially extended at least partially overlapping a through hole edge (20f) so as to hold the second plate element (22) transversely with respect to the first plate element (20) in a stable condition coupled thereto. A method for the fabrication of such a joint for a cable ducting comprises punching the first and second plate element (20; 22) from a continuous metal sheet (L), the punching of the through hole (20f) on a first plate element (20), the punching and forming of the hole with protruding edge (22r) having a radial extension smaller than the radial extension of the through hole (20f) on the second plate element (22), the coupling between the first and the second plate element (20, 22) disposing the hole with protruding edge (22r) of the second element (22) through the through hole (20f) of the first element (20) and the riveting of the hole with protruding edge (22r) at the free end (22s) to form a radially extended flange (22s') overlapping an edge of the through hole (20f).