Pivoting Coupling Cable Loop Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for coupling semitrailers to tractor units face challenges in managing cable length and tension during pivoting, often requiring complex mechanisms like cable drums or swivel arms, which can obstruct coupling and lead to cable damage.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a rotation device with a turntable and cable guide to form loops in specific areas, allowing cables to adjust in length without overstretching, and is designed to prevent loop formation in critical areas that could obstruct coupling, ensuring cables remain stress-free and extend their service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms like cable drums or swivel arms are used to maintain cable tension during pivoting, then cable damage is prevented, but device complexity increases and coupling space may be obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable management function from complex active mechanisms (cable drums, swivel arms) and implements it through passive geometric design. The cable guide with its specific path geometry automatically manages cable tension and routing during pivoting without requiring additional active components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining cable integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The cable guide system is designed to automatically adjust cable routing and tension based on the pivoting angle. As the coupling component pivots, the cable naturally follows the guide's predetermined path, which self-regulates tension distribution without requiring external control systems or additional mechanisms
2Duration of action of stationary object
If cables are kept under tension to prevent crushing and bending, then cable service life is extended, but the risk of loop formation in critical areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide implements different geometric characteristics in different sections: in areas where loops would be harmful (near the coupling interface), the guide constrains the cable to maintain tension and prevent loop formation; in other areas, the guide geometry allows controlled cable routing that accommodates tension changes during pivoting. This localized geometric design simultaneously prevents loops in critical areas while managing cable stress throughout
Data Source
AI summary
A system for pivoting a coupling component for an outrigger, for a coupling between a tractor unit and a semi-trailer includes a rotation configured to pivot the coupling component between a primary position and a secondary position, and at least one line, which is guided into the coupling component via the rotation device, wherein the system is configured such that the at least one line forms a loop in the primary position in a defined area, and the loop is reduced in size when pivoted to the secondary position.