One-Piece Cable Guide With U-Shaped Throat and Pliable Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable guide technologies fail to effectively and efficiently secure cables against a surface while allowing for slidable movement, often requiring cables to be threaded through complex systems and prone to snagging and fraying.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece cable guide with an arcuate intermediate portion defining a u-shaped cross-section and pliable fingers that can be monolithically formed, allowing for easy installation over cables and secure fastening to a surface without threading, using a fastener through a mounting aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are threaded through complex locating apparatus such as mounts, pulleys, and hooks, then the cable can be fixed to a given location, but the system becomes prone to snagging, fraying, and increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (cable retention, surface mounting, and slidable guidance) into a single integrated cable guide body. The body includes a retention portion with fingers that engage the cable and a mounting portion with aperture for surface attachment, eliminating the need for separate mounts, pulleys, and hooks while maintaining cable security and reducing snagging points.
2Reliability
If traditional locating apparatus are used to fix cables, then cable positioning is achieved, but the cable movement is restricted and friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention fingers are designed to be flexible and resilient, allowing them to dynamically adjust as the cable moves through the guide. The fingers can deflect to accommodate cable insertion and then return to their original position to maintain retention, enabling smooth slidable movement while preserving cable security without excessive friction.
3Reliability
If cables are secured using complex threading systems, then cable fixation is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide is pre-formed as a single integrated component with the retention portion and mounting portion already configured. The flexible fingers are pre-positioned to automatically engage the cable as it is inserted, eliminating the need for time-consuming threading operations through multiple separate components. Installation simply requires positioning the guide over the cable and securing it to the surface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate locating components are used, then cable positioning flexibility is achieved, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide body serves multiple functions simultaneously: the retention portion with flexible fingers provides cable engagement and positioning, the mounting portion with aperture enables surface attachment, and the overall geometry allows slidable cable movement. This multi-functional design achieves cable positioning flexibility that would otherwise require multiple separate components, thereby reducing the total number of parts and assembly complexity.
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 solution provides a secure and snag-free slidable cable management system that prevents fraying and allows cable movement at various angles, eliminating the need for complex threading and reducing wear and friction.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of a pair of fingers formed at the planar surfaces can deflect to accommodate introduction of the flexible member into the arcuate intermediate portion of the guide
Data Source
AI summary
A guide adapted to retain a flexible member can include a body defining an arcuate intermediate portion extending between a first end and a second end. The arcuate intermediate portion can define a generally u-shaped cross-section. The intermediate portion can define a throat adapted to slidably capture the flexible member. A mounting aperture can be defined through the first end. At least one finger can be formed on the body. The finger can extend toward the throat and is adapted to retain the flexible member within the throat.