Cable Harness Management Module for Robot Joint Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial robot joints frequently cause abrasion and breakage of cable harnesses due to frequent movements, with existing protection methods, such as nets, being insufficient.
Innovation Solution
A cable harness management module comprising a base plate and a rotatable element that form a space for the cable harness, with fastening members and a cover to securely manage and protect the cable harness during rotation, including elastic parts and mounting members for easy installation and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable harness is protected by nets in existing solution, then some protection is provided, but the protection is quite insufficient and cable harness is still likely to be abraded or broken
Solution Approach 1:
The cable harness management module divides the protection system into distinct functional components: a base plate for mounting, a rotatable element for cable routing, fastening members for securing, and a cover for enclosure. Each segment performs a specific protective function, collectively providing comprehensive protection against abrasion and breakage that exceeds simple net protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable harness management module acts as an intermediary structure between the cable harness and the harsh operational environment. The cover and enclosed space serve as a protective mediator that shields the cable harness from external harmful factors such as abrasion, while still allowing the cable to function properly through the rotatable element.
2Ease of operation
If cable harness is allowed to move freely during robot joint rotation, then flexibility is maintained, but the cable harness is very likely to be abraded or broken due to frequent movements
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable element enables dynamic cable management that adapts to the robot joint's movement. As the joint rotates, the cable harness can reel onto or unreel from the rotatable element, maintaining operational flexibility while the enclosed space and cover provide continuous protection against abrasion during these dynamic movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover encloses the cable harness in a protective shell that allows for controlled movement. The flexible design accommodates cable reeling and unreeling operations while maintaining a protective barrier that prevents abrasion, resolving the contradiction between needing movement flexibility and preventing damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cable harness is tightly constrained to prevent movement, then protection from abrasion is improved, but the robot joint movement and cable functionality are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic constraint rather than static fixation. The cable harness is secured at its ends but allowed to move freely within the enclosed space, reeling onto the rotatable element during joint movement. This dynamic approach provides abrasion protection through the cover and guided movement while maintaining full robot joint mobility and cable functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful aspect of uncontrolled cable movement (abrasion) is extracted and managed separately through the rotatable element mechanism. The cable is removed from direct exposure to abrasion risks by routing it through the protected enclosed space and onto the rotating element, while the robot joint maintains its full range of motion.
4Reliability
If a comprehensive cable harness protection system is implemented, then cable harness durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable harness management module is designed as a universal assembly where each component serves multiple functions. The base plate provides mounting and structural support; the rotatable element handles cable routing and movement accommodation; the cover provides protection and defines the enclosed space. This multi-functional design achieves comprehensive protection without excessive complexity, as each element contributes to multiple aspects of cable harness durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The management module uses a nested structure where the cable harness is contained within the enclosed space formed by the base plate and cover, with the rotatable element nested within this space. This compact nested arrangement provides comprehensive protection while maintaining a space-efficient design that minimizes the overall footprint and complexity of the management system.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable harness management module includes a base plate and a rotatable element which matches with and can rotate relative to the base plate. The base plate and the rotatable element form a space for receiving the cable harness including a first end and a second end. The cable harness management module has a first fastening member for fastening the first end onto the base plate, and a second fastening member for fastening member for fastening the second end onto the rotatable element. The cable harness can reel on or off the rotatable element when the rotatable element rotates with the robot joint. The cable harness management module may also include a mounting member for removably mounting the base plate to the robot joint. The cable harness management module protects the cable harness inside the compact space from abrasion and lengthen the lifetime of the cable harness.