Cable Slack Controller With Engagement Tab And Deflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cables connected to dynamic parts in devices often experience slack, leading to bending, looping, or damage as these parts move, causing functional failures and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A cable slack controller system featuring a deflector coupled to a movable carriage device and an engagement tab on the cable that engages with a notch in the channel, preventing the cable from bending or looping by deflecting it into the channel and maintaining it within the channel's path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cable slack is increased to accommodate dynamic part movement, then the cable remains connected in any position, but the cable bends, loops, or damages itself causing functional failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable management system consisting of guide channels and tensioning elements that act as intermediaries between the cable and the dynamic part. These elements guide the cable along a controlled path, preventing uncontrolled bending and looping while maintaining connection across all positions of the dynamic part.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent routes the cable through three-dimensional space using vertical channels and overhead routing paths, moving the cable management from a two-dimensional plane to three-dimensional space. This allows the cable to accommodate dynamic part movement without bending in harmful ways by utilizing the vertical dimension for cable routing.
2Length of moving object
If cable length is increased to maintain connection across maximum distance, then the cable reaches all positions, but the cable bunches up and loops in front of the dynamic part impeding movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable into multiple segments or sections, each managed by separate guide channels and tensioning elements. This segmentation allows each portion of the cable to be independently controlled, preventing bunching and looping while maintaining the overall length needed for full range of motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved guide channels and rounded routing paths instead of sharp angles, allowing the cable to follow smooth trajectories. This curvature prevents the cable from bending sharply or looping back on itself, maintaining movement efficiency while accommodating the required cable length.
3Ease of operation
If cable is routed freely to accommodate movement, then the cable remains flexible, but the cable experiences damage from bending and looping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural characteristics to different portions of the cable system. The cable itself remains flexible for ease of operation, while the guide channels and routing structures provide rigid constraints in specific locations to prevent damage-prone bending and looping, creating a hybrid system with localized structural reinforcement.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable slack controller may include a deflector coupled to a movable carriage device; at least one end of a cable coupled to the carriage device; and an engagement tab formed with the cable wherein the engagement tab engages a notch defined in a portion of a channel on which the movable carriage device translates across.