Cable Guide Link Module Snap-Fit Connection Strength
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cable protection and guide device lacks sufficient connection strength between link modules, making assembly difficult and prone to disengagement, especially in batch assembly operations, due to a snap-fit mechanism that relies on thin connecting portions and requires simultaneous assembly of three parts.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a rotation type snap-fit mechanism between male and female connecting plates with convex and concave portions, allowing for early connection of link modules and later assembly of stopper links, enhancing connection strength and enabling easier assembly and replacement of link modules, while using flexible coupling arms and stopper links to improve structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a snap-fit mechanism is used to connect link modules, then assembly is simplified, but connection strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting plate is divided into multiple reinforcing ribs that extend from the rear surface toward the front surface. These ribs segment the connecting plate structure to provide localized reinforcement at critical stress points while maintaining the overall snap-fit mechanism design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting plate uses a composite structure combining a base resin material with reinforcing ribs made of the same or different material properties. This composite approach allows the thin connecting plate to achieve high connection strength through structural reinforcement rather than material substitution.
2Reliability
If three parts are assembled simultaneously using the snap-fit mechanism, then connection is achieved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing ribs are pre-formed as integral parts of the connecting plate structure during molding. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate assembly steps to add reinforcement elements, allowing the snap-fit mechanism to function reliably while simplifying the assembly process to a single operation.
3Ease of operation
If the wall thickness of connecting portions is reduced to enable overlap, then assembly is enabled, but part strength becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting plate features localized reinforcement through ribs that are concentrated at specific high-stress areas rather than uniformly thickening the entire plate. This allows the connecting portions to maintain thin wall thickness for assembly capability while achieving sufficient part strength through strategic local reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting plate is segmented into multiple reinforcing ribs that distribute structural reinforcement across different locations. This segmentation allows the thin plate to achieve adequate strength through distributed reinforcement rather than requiring uniform thickness increase throughout the entire connecting portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable protection and guide device is disclosed in which connection strength of the side plate portions is improved. The strength of connecting portions is improved and large scale assembly of the device is possible. Side plate portions (110) each have a link module (120) with integrally molded side plates (122) of a predetermined number interconnected by coupling portions (124). Each coupling portion includes flexible coupling arms (126) extended from the coupling portions (124). Stopper links (130) each being engaged between the adjacent side plates from a cable accommodating space side and are assembled to the coupling portion by a snap-fit mechanism. The link module has a male connecting plate (127) and a female connecting plate (128), which are respectively connected to link modules, which are reside at respective ends of the male connecting plate and the female connecting plate. The male connecting plate and the female connecting plate are each formed in the same outer shape as that of the side plate when connected to a female connecting plate and a male connecting plate of the adjacent link module.