Removable Cable Protector Sleeve for Trolling Motor Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable protection methods for electric trolling motors and accessories are inadequate, as they often damage the plastic casing, provide limited protection against environmental factors, and are difficult to install and replace, especially when accessory cables are exposed and vulnerable to weather, UV radiation, and physical damage.
Innovation Solution
A removable cable protector sleeve made from flexible, weather-resistant materials like neoprene, equipped with hook-and-loop fasteners or other securement mechanisms, which can be easily installed and removed without disconnecting cables, providing protection and organization while resisting environmental hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic zip ties are used to secure accessory cables to the plastic casing, then the cables are secured in place, but the plastic casing is cut and damaged, and the installation is difficult to reverse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fabric sleeve as an intermediary component between the cables and the plastic casing. The sleeve wraps around the cables and is secured with zip ties, preventing direct contact between the zip ties and the plastic casing, thereby eliminating cutting damage to the casing while maintaining cable securement
2Reliability
If a plastic casing is used to bundle trolling motor cables, then the cables are protected and organized, but the casing wears out over time and is difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable protection system into separate components: a removable fabric sleeve and the existing plastic casing. The fabric sleeve can be independently installed and removed without affecting the plastic casing, allowing easy replacement of the sleeve when worn while leaving the permanent plastic casing intact
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric sleeve is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be removed and discarded when worn out, while the permanent plastic casing remains in place. This allows selective replacement of only the worn fabric sleeve rather than the entire cable assembly
3Ease of manufacture
If accessory cables are exposed without additional protection, then installation is simpler, but the cables are vulnerable to weather, UV radiation, and physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible fabric sleeve that wraps around the accessory cables to provide environmental protection. The fabric material protects the cables from weather, UV radiation, and physical damage while allowing the cables to remain accessible and not requiring complex installation procedures
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 cable protector sleeve effectively secures and protects cables from damage, offering improved durability and ease of installation and replacement, while maintaining protection from weather, UV radiation, and physical abrasions without requiring the destruction of existing zip ties.
Implementation Method 1
a first fastening means secured proximate to the first longitudinal edge and a second fastening means secured proximate to the second longitudinal edge, wherein the first fastening means removably fastens to the second fastening means
Data Source
AI summary
An improved cable protector sleeve comprises a sheet of flexible material having a first longitudinal edge opposite of a second longitudinal edge, a first fastening means proximate to the first longitudinal edge, and a second fastening means proximate to the second longitudinal edge. The first and second fastening means, which may be hook-and-loop fasteners, are preferably disposed on opposite sides of the sheet. The sheet is secured around a plurality of cables by removably fastening the first fastening means to the second fastening means. Optionally, at least one friction means, such as a row of stitches, transverses the sheet and increases friction between the sheet and the plurality of cables. The improved cable protector is thus easily installed around and removed from a plurality of cables, providing protection and organization to the cables.