Multi-Layer Cable Ring Strand for Vibration Damping and Secure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for noise reduction and vibration damping in cables or lines, such as elastomeric hose dampers and pipe clamps, do not effectively address noise from internal and external vibrations while maintaining high strength and stability in the connection of the strand ends.
Innovation Solution
A plastic strand with three elastomer layers, where the inner and outer layers are softer than the middle layer, featuring ribs or knobs for vibration damping, and elastomeric connecting sections with harder coatings for secure locking, forming a ring that effectively reduces noise and provides high strength and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single elastomeric material is used for the entire strand, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but noise reduction performance on both inner and outer sides is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The strand is divided into three distinct elastomeric layers (first inner layer, second middle layer, third outer layer), each with different hardness properties. This segmentation allows the inner soft layer to dampen internal vibrations and the outer soft layer to dampen external vibrations, while the middle hard layer provides structural support, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and noise reduction performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the strand are assigned different material properties: the inner and outer layers use softer elastomers for vibration damping, while the middle layer uses harder elastomer for structural strength. This local differentiation of material quality enables the strand to simultaneously achieve noise reduction on both inner and outer surfaces while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If the connecting portions are made of soft elastomer for ease of connection, then the connection process is simple, but the strength and stability of the closed ring connection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portions incorporate localized harder elastomer coatings or inserts at the engagement surfaces (receiving opening and plug-in region) while maintaining softer elastomer in the bulk material. This local quality differentiation enables the connection to be both easy to form (due to overall softness) and strong/stable (due to hardened engagement surfaces that resist deformation and maintain locking force).
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 plastic strand effectively reduces noise and vibrations by utilizing softer elastomer layers for damping and harder coatings for secure locking, ensuring a stable connection that minimizes rattling noises, particularly beneficial in electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The elastomer of the first layer is softer than the elastomer of the second layer... The elastomer of the third layer is also softer than the elastomer of the second layer
Implementation Method 2
a first, inner elastomer layer (2), a second elastomer layer (3) lying above it and a third, outer elastomer layer (4)
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a plastic strand (1) with a first and a second end, wherein the two ends can be joined together to form a ring for enclosing cables or wires. The strand has a first, inner elastomer layer (2) and a second, overlying elastomer layer (3) along its thickness, the elastomer of the first elastomer layer being softer than the elastomer of the second elastomer layer. The first elastomer layer has ribs (9) or bumps on its inner surface. The strand has a third, outer elastomer layer (4) along its thickness, the elastomer of which is softer than the elastomer of the second elastomer layer.The strand has, for connecting the ends, a first elastomeric connecting section (6) at the first end, which has a receiving opening (12), and a second elastomeric connecting section (7) at the second end, which has a plug-in area (16) that can be inserted into the receiving opening (12). An inner surface of the receiving opening is at least partially formed by an elastomeric coating (20) that is harder than the rest of the first connecting section, and an outer surface of the plug-in area is at least partially formed by an elastomeric coating (21) that is harder than the rest of the second connecting section.