Cable Guide Running Surface Recesses to Prevent Hydrodynamic Sliding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable routing devices experience reduced roller adhesion on the tread when liquid is present, leading to hydrodynamic sliding and noise issues, especially when used outdoors.

Innovation Solution

The cable routing device features articulated links with off-center pivot axes, side tabs forming a running surface, and recesses in the tread to allow liquid to escape, ensuring improved roller adhesion and reduced noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the cable guide device uses a continuous running surface formed by side plates, then the rollers can roll smoothly with low energy loss, but fluid accumulates on the running surface causing reduced roller adhesion and hydrodynamic sliding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy lossVSAvoidroller adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous running surface is segmented by introducing recesses that divide it into multiple discrete sections. These recesses create gaps that prevent fluid accumulation while maintaining the rolling function, thus resolving the contradiction between smooth rolling and fluid drainage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The running surface is designed with a porous-like structure through the recesses, allowing fluid to pass through and escape from the contact area between rollers and running surface, preventing hydrodynamic sliding while maintaining adhesion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If the running surface is made continuous to enable quiet rolling, then fluid accumulation occurs leading to hydrodynamic sliding and noise

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidroller adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The running surface is divided into segments by recesses, creating a non-continuous structure that allows fluid to escape. This prevents the conditions for hydrodynamic sliding and associated noise while maintaining quiet operation through controlled fluid drainage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If recesses are introduced in the running surface to improve roller adhesion, then fluid can escape but the running surface becomes less continuous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroller adhesionVSAvoidrunning surface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The running surface is segmented by recesses that are strategically positioned to maintain adhesion while allowing fluid escape. The segmentation is minimal and functional, avoiding excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recesses are positioned locally at specific areas where fluid accumulation is most problematic, rather than uniformly across the entire running surface. This localized modification maintains overall structural simplicity while achieving the desired fluid drainage function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The design enhances roller adhesion on the tread even when liquid is present, reducing energy loss and noise while maintaining smooth operation.

Implementation Method 1

The rollers can float due to the fluid, causing them to glide over the running surface instead of rolling. This can be referred to as hydrodynamic sliding.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrodynamic sliding: Aquaplaning

Data Source

PatentEP3983700B1Line-guiding device comprising recesses
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 KABELSCHLEPP GESELLSCHAFT MIT BESCHRAENKTER HAFTUNG
  • EP3983700B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3983700B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3983700B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a line-guiding device (1) comprising a plurality of links (2) which are connected to one another in an articulated manner and which form a loop consisting of an upper strand (3), a deflection region (4), and a lower strand (5), wherein: adjacent links (2) can be pivoted relative to one another about a pivot axis (6); the pivot axes (6) are located closer to a loop inner side (7) than to a loop outer side (8) at least in some of the links (2); the links (2) each have two side flaps (9) opposite one another; side flaps (9) of adjacent links (2) form at least one running surface (10) on the loop inner side (7); at least some of the links (2) have a roller (11) projecting from the running surface (10); and the upper strand (3) and the lower strand (4) can abut one another over the running surface (10) in such a way that the upper strand (3) and the lower strand (4) can be moved relative to one another by means of the rollers (11). The line-guiding device is characterised in that the running surface (10) in at least some of the links (2) is interrupted by a plurality of recesses (21).