Cable Protector Segmented Support Member

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable protectors face challenges in maintaining connection strength while allowing smooth flexing, as higher connection strength prevents easy dislocation of links, while lower strength allows easy dislocation but compromises flexing ability.

Innovation Solution

A cable protector design featuring cylindrical shells connected by pivotable support members with flexible linear sections and radially extending arms, allowing three-dimensional bending and maintaining connection strength through a combination of harder and softer plastic components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the articulated connectors have higher connection strength, then the links are prevented from dislocating, but the cable protector cannot flex smoothly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strength of articulated connectorVSAvoidsmooth flexing of cable protector

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is segmented into multiple arm sections (first arm section, second arm section, third arm section) connected by flexible linear sections. Each arm section supports adjacent shells independently, allowing localized flexing while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the cable protector to flex smoothly without requiring the entire connector to have high connection strength throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible linear sections are strategically positioned at specific locations between arm sections to provide flexibility where needed, while the arm sections themselves maintain sufficient connection strength to prevent dislocation. This local differentiation of material properties (flexible vs. strong) resolves the contradiction by applying flexibility only where it is needed for smooth bending, while maintaining strength at connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the articulated connectors have lower connection strength, then the cable protector can flex smoothly, but the links are easily dislocated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth flexing of cable protectorVSAvoidconnection strength of articulated connector

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is segmented into multiple arm sections (first arm section, second arm section, third arm section) connected by flexible linear sections. Each arm section supports adjacent shells independently, allowing localized flexing while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the cable protector to flex smoothly without requiring the entire connector to have high connection strength throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible linear sections are strategically positioned at specific locations between arm sections to provide flexibility where needed, while the arm sections themselves maintain sufficient connection strength to prevent dislocation. This local differentiation of material properties (flexible vs. strong) resolves the contradiction by applying flexibility only where it is needed for smooth bending, while maintaining strength at connection points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If unit links are jointed in a three-dimensionally pivotable manner, then the degree of freedom in flexing directions is increased, but it becomes difficult to maintain connection strength while enabling smooth flexing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedegree of freedom in flexing directionsVSAvoidconnection strength between unit members

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is segmented into multiple arm sections (first arm section, second arm section, third arm section) connected by flexible linear sections. Each arm section supports adjacent shells independently, allowing localized flexing while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the cable protector to flex smoothly without requiring the entire connector to have high connection strength throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible linear sections are strategically positioned at specific locations between arm sections to provide flexibility where needed, while the arm sections themselves maintain sufficient connection strength to prevent dislocation. This local differentiation of material properties (flexible vs. strong) resolves the contradiction by applying flexibility only where it is needed for smooth bending, while maintaining strength at connection points.

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

Enables smooth three-dimensional flexing of cable protectors while maintaining good connection strength between shells, ensuring protection and ease of assembly and disassembly.

Implementation Method 1

The linear sections are freely three-dimensionally bendable with no slidable parts, so the support member can bend three-dimensionally at the linear sections between the arm sections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11118720B2Cable protector

Publication Date: 2021.09.14 KUNIMORI KAGAKU CO LTD

AI summary

A cable protector including a series of generally cylindrical shells, with adjacent shells pivotable relative to each other; and a support member extending through the shells. The support member holds the shells so that the shells cannot be separated from each other. The support member includes arm sections, corresponding to the shells, connected by flexible linear sections extending along a central axis of the shells. Each arm section includes a base connected to the linear section, and a plurality of arms extending radially outward at equal angles. Each arm has a first end connected to the base, and a second end connected to a surface of the shell toward the central axis.