Cable Guide Link Articulation via Cardanic Snap Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable guides with larger diameters are difficult to handle due to the need to pivot links by 90°, making assembly and disassembly cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A cable guide design featuring links with snap connections and a cardanic articulated connection system, where cylindrical pins with locking lugs and a joint body allow for flexible pivoting and easy assembly, utilizing the elasticity of plastic components for secure yet detachable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional ball-and-socket connection system is used requiring 90° pivoting, then the cable guide achieves stable connection, but the handling and assembly become cumbersome especially for larger diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pivoting angle parameter from 90° to approximately 45°, making the connection process more manageable for larger diameter cable guides while maintaining secure locking through the same ball-and-socket mechanism with locking lugs
2Quantity of substance
If the cable guide is designed with larger diameter, then it can accommodate more cables, but the assembly and disassembly become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By reducing the required pivoting angle to approximately 45°, the patent enables easier manual handling and assembly of larger diameter cable guides that can accommodate more cables, resolving the contradiction between cable capacity and assembly ease
3Device complexity
If a simple connection system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the ball element for positioning, the socket for reception, and separate locking lugs for securing. This segmentation maintains simplicity while ensuring reliable locking through dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical ball element provides both the connection interface and the locking mechanism through its curved surface interacting with the socket, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable positioning and engagement
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
Enables easy handling and assembly by allowing high gimbal-like movement of individual parts, simplifying the connection process and ensuring secure locking mechanisms without obstructing the guide channels.
Implementation Method 1
the elasticity inherent in the usual plastics can also be used here to simplify handling, for example in such a way that easily manufacturable and detachable snap connections can be used
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cable guide (10), comprising members (12), which are open at the end faces, are connected to each other in an articulated manner, can be bent relative to each other at least in two directions, are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the cable guide, and form at least one guide channel (16) by means of the outside guide elements thereof, wherein joint connections between two members connected to each other that absorb tensile forces are arranged inside the cable guide, and the members (12) comprise connecting elements (18) that correspond to each other and have two connecting components (20, 22). The first component (20) of the connecting element (18) is fork-shaped and has two legs (24, 26) at a distance to each other, wherein the second connecting component comprises a first seat (32) having a spherical periphery, in which first seat a joint part (34) provided with a through-hole (36) and having a spherical outer periphery (35) matched to the first seat is movably mounted.