Integrally Molded Cable Guide Side Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable protection and guide devices have complex side plate designs with multiple parts, requiring extensive assembly and management, and are prone to reduced longevity due to large tensile forces.
Innovation Solution
A cable protection and guide device with symmetrically shaped side plate portions and stopper links, integrated into a connected link module with a snap-fit mechanism, reducing the number of parts and dispersing tensile forces for improved durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If side plates are formed with three parts (front side plate portion, rear side plate portion, and coupling) connected by snap-fit mechanisms, then ease of assembly and maintenance is improved, but device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the front side plate portion, rear side plate portion, and coupling into a single integrally molded side plate. This eliminates the need for snap-fit mechanisms and multiple separate parts, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining structural integrity and ease of manufacture through single-piece molding.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrally molded side plate performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables connection between adjacent side plates through integrated coupling portions, and eliminates the need for separate coupling components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of parts required in the system.
2Shape
If right and left side plate portions are made as mirror images, then structural symmetry is improved, but interchangeability is reduced and parts management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry through symmetric coupling portions that are identical on both right and left side plates. While the overall side plate structure may be asymmetric to fit the application, the coupling portions are designed with symmetric features (such as engagement protrusions and recesses) that allow interchangeable connection, thereby improving parts management without compromising structural requirements.
3Strength
If large tensile forces are generated in the coupling during operations, then connection strength is improved, but longevity and reliability of side plates is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the coupling portions directly into the side plate structure through integral molding, the patent eliminates weak points associated with separate coupling components and snap-fit mechanisms. The integrated design distributes tensile forces throughout the side plate structure rather than concentrating them in separate coupling parts, thereby maintaining connection strength while improving longevity and reliability.
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
Simplifies manufacturing and assembly, enhances durability by reducing the number of parts and dispersing tensile forces, allowing for interchangeable and easily managed components.
Implementation Method 1
a snap-fit mechanism joins adjacent side plates 510A and 510B to each other
Implementation Method 2
The snap-fit mechanism is provided between the rear side plate portion 512 of the preceding side plate and the front side plate portion 511 of the side plate subsequently connected to the rear side plate portion 512
Data Source
AI summary
A cable protection and guide device having a connected link module enables quick assembly and reduces the number or parts and parts management necessary to form the cable The cable protection and guide device includes a plurality of side plate portions formed by connected link modules each integrally molded with coupling portions. Stopper links each incorporated with the coupling portions on the cable accommodating space side by a snap-fit mechanism limit the flexional angles of motion. Connecting arms interengage the stopper links on the outer and inner flexion inner circumferential sides.