Cable Guide Device With Pivoting Side Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy guide chains require extensive labor for maintenance as cross members must be completely removed to access cables, making it difficult to operate and maintain the cables from the outside.
Innovation Solution
A cable protection and guide device with pivotable side plates and hinge mechanisms that allow for easy access and maintenance without removing the cable accommodating space extension arm from the side plate, featuring D-shaped pin type hinge shafts and round pin-shaped locking shafts for secure engagement and disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If cross members are completely removed to access cables, then cable maintenance is possible, but maintenance labor and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The energy guide chain is divided into modular units with side plates, cross members, and cable accommodating spaces that can be independently accessed. The cable accommodating space can be opened by pivoting about a hinge end, allowing cable maintenance without removing the entire chain structure. This segmentation enables targeted access to cables while maintaining the integrity of the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
A hinge mechanism serves as an intermediary between the fixed side plates and the movable cable accommodating space. This hinge allows the cable accommodating space to pivot open for maintenance access while remaining connected to the side plates, eliminating the need for complete removal of cross members and enabling quick cable maintenance.
2Ease of repair
If cross members are completely removed to access cables, then cable maintenance is possible, but structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is segmented into side plates, cross members, and cable accommodating spaces with defined connection points. The hinge mechanism creates a controlled segmentation that allows the cable accommodating space to be accessed independently while the side plates and cross members remain connected, preserving overall structural integrity during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary connection that maintains structural integrity while enabling access. It provides a controlled pivot point that allows the cable accommodating space to open for maintenance without completely disconnecting from the side plates, thus maintaining the structural framework of the energy guide chain.
3Ease of manufacture
If hinge shafts are fitted from the inside, then assembly is simple, but inadvertent disengagement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge shafts are designed with asymmetric D-shaped cross-sections that fit into corresponding asymmetric grooves in the side plates. This asymmetric design allows the hinge shafts to be fitted from the inside in a simple manner while preventing rotational disengagement, as the D-shape geometry inherently blocks reverse movement while permitting controlled pivoting for cable access.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric D-shaped hinge shaft design converts what could be a complex engagement mechanism into a simple fit-from-inside assembly. The geometry of the D-shape automatically prevents inadvertent disengagement through its inherent shape, turning a potential reliability issue into a simple, reliable assembly feature that requires no additional locking mechanisms.
4Ease of repair
If cable accommodating space is made openable, then maintenance access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable accommodating space is segmented as a separate movable component connected to the side plates via hinges. This segmentation allows the space to be opened independently for cable maintenance while the rest of the energy guide chain remains intact. The hinge connection provides a simple, low-complexity mechanism that enables access without requiring complex disassembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism serves as a simple intermediary that provides the opening/closing function with minimal complexity. It allows the cable accommodating space to pivot open for maintenance and close back into position, creating an access mechanism that adds minimal structural complexity while significantly improving maintenance accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable protection and guide device in which maintenance of cables is easily performed without completely removing a cable accommodating space extension arm from a side plate is disclosed. Inadvertent disengagement of the cable accommodating space extension arm is prevented because the arm strongly engages the side plates of the device. The cable protection and guide device includes a number of pairs of right and left side plates connected to each other. Cable accommodating space extension arms are bridged over the flexional inner circumferential sides of at least one pair of side plates. D-shaped pin hinge shafts in the hinge ends of the arms are detachably interengaged with a groove in one of the side plates and thus permits the arm to pivot with respect to the side plate. Hinge end side locking pawl pieces of the arms are interlocked to the side plates.