Cable Protection Chain With Retaining Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cables protected by interconnected chain links are still susceptible to damage and dislocation due to movement, as the links change shape and the cable is not adequately retained within the protective chain.
Innovation Solution
A C- or L-shaped retaining element is integrated into the protective cable chain, either tethered or hingedly connected, to secure the cable by bridging the open end of the chain links and locking into place, ensuring the cable remains within the void formed by the chain's sidewalls and bottom wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a cable is protected by interconnected chain links, then the cable is protected on three sides by sidewalls and bottom wall, but the cable is still susceptible to damage and dislocation due to movement of the links
Solution Approach 1:
The protective chain is divided into individual links, each with its own retaining element. This segmentation allows each link to independently secure the cable at multiple points along its length, preventing dislocation while maintaining flexibility for the overall chain movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements are pre-positioned on the links to bridge the open ends before the chain undergoes movement. This preliminary positioning ensures the cable is secured in advance, preventing damage from impingement and over-flexing before such harmful events can occur.
2Ease of operation
If the chain links move back and forth over a cog or gear, then the chain can be advanced or retracted, but the cable needs to be retained within the protective cable chain to prevent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining elements are designed to be dynamic, allowing the chain to flex and move during advancement and retraction operations. The elements can accommodate the dynamic movement of links over cogs or gears while maintaining continuous retention of the cable, preventing damage during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining elements function as flexible protective barriers that can deform with the chain's movement. This flexibility allows the chain to undergo the necessary mechanical movements for operation while the retaining elements continuously constrain the cable within the protective void.
3Reliability
If a retaining element is added to bridge the open end of the chain links, then the cable is securely locked in place, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is merged with the link structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate attachment. This combining of functions reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies assembly, achieving reliable cable retention without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element serves multiple functions: it bridges the open end of the link, retains the cable, and allows for chain flexibility. This multi-functionality means a single added component achieves several protective objectives simultaneously, reducing the overall complexity compared to multiple separate mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective device for a cable in the form of a plurality of interconnected links forming a chain. At least one of the links comprises a retaining element, which may be a C-shaped or an L-shaped element which completes the formation of an enclosed void into which a cable can be inserted for protection. Each link preferably includes two opposed sidewalls connected by a bottom wall and the C-shaped or L-shaped element. When the retaining member is the L-shaped element, the L-shaped element is hingedly connected to one of the opposed sidewalls.