Cable Guide Apparatus with Locking Tab for Edge Abrasion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cabling systems fail to effectively guide cables around edges, leading to insulation abrasion and cable snapping due to sharp edges, which results in machine downtimes and increased maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a first plate, a second plate, and a tab with a cut-out portion and locking mechanism to securely guide cables around edges, preventing abrasion and snapping by using a tie to lock the cable in position, while allowing for flexible wrapping and bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cabling systems are used to support cables, then cable support is provided, but the cables are exposed to sharp edges that cause insulation abrasion and cable snapping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable durabilityVSAvoidinsulation abrasion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (cable guide assembly with plates and tabs) that mediates between the cable and the sharp edges of the support body. This intermediary structure provides a protective interface that prevents direct contact between the cable insulation and harmful sharp edges, thereby eliminating the abrasion problem while maintaining cable support functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable guide assembly is installed beforehand to create a protective barrier before the cable is subjected to potential abrasion. The plates and tabs form a cushioning structure that anticipates and prevents contact between the cable and sharp edges, ensuring cable protection before any harmful interaction can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional cabling systems with buckles and harnesses are used, then cable support is achieved, but the systems offer limited possibilities in bending and guiding/routing cables around edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable routing flexibilityVSAvoidcable bending capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cable guide assembly is segmented into multiple functional components including first and second plates, tabs with cut-out portions, and tie attachment features. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (support, guiding, bending, securing) while working together to provide versatile cable routing capabilities around edges and corners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable guide assembly incorporates curved surfaces and rounded edges through its plate and tab structures, enabling smooth cable bending and routing around corners. The curved geometry eliminates sharp transitions and provides continuous cable contact surfaces that facilitate easy cable manipulation and positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Area of stationary object

If cables are routed close to the support body edge, then space is optimized, but the cables are at risk of abrasion and snapping from sharp edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidcable exposure to sharp edges

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable guide assembly serves as an intermediary structure positioned between the cable and the support body edge. It enables the cable to be routed close to the support body for space optimization while simultaneously providing protective coverage that prevents contact with sharp edges, thus resolving the contradiction between space utilization and cable protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If cable protection structures are added to prevent abrasion, then cable durability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable durabilityVSAvoidcabling system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable guide assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: support function (plates), guiding function (tabs with cut-out portions), bending capability (curved surfaces), and securing function (tie attachment features). This merging reduces the need for multiple separate components and simplifies the overall cabling system while maintaining cable protection and routing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable guide assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides cable support, edge protection, routing guidance, and securing capabilities. This universality eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving comprehensive cable protection and management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8864086B2Apparatus for guiding cable

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

An apparatus for guiding a cable is provided. The apparatus includes a first plate, a second plate, and a tie. The first plate includes an opening. The second plate angularly extends from the first plate. The second plate includes a cut-out portion configured to allow passage of a tie associated with the cable. The tab extends into the cut-out portion and includes a first member and a second member. The first member is configured to allow wrapping of the tie while the second member is configured to lock a position of the tie.