Curved Cable Support Guide Tracks for Stable Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable support systems for surface-free laying of cables, such as fiber optic cables, face challenges in maintaining functional stability without sagging or excessive tension, and often require deformation for cable insertion and removal, limiting their usability.

Innovation Solution

A cable support system featuring a base part, a cable routing area with angled, curved guide tracks, and a connection area with a slot guide that allows for obstacle-free routing and flexible positioning, incorporating attachment points and anti-slip features to secure cables without deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cables are laid surface-free without support, then cable routing flexibility is improved, but cable stability deteriorates (cables sag, experience tension, or mechanical loads)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable routing flexibilityVSAvoidcable stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is divided into a base part for mounting and a cable routing area with separate guide tracks, allowing independent optimization of mounting stability and cable routing flexibility. The guide tracks are segmented into individual curved elements that can be arranged in different configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide tracks serve as intermediary elements between the mounting surface and the cables, providing a stable yet flexible path for cable routing. These intermediary structures transfer mechanical loads to the base part while maintaining cable stability throughout the routing area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If holding elements completely close the lateral opening between guideways, then cable stability is improved, but device complexity increases and cable insertion/removal becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable stabilityVSAvoidcable insertion and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide tracks are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to be flexible during cable insertion/removal but stable during operation. The curved geometry and material properties enable the structure to adapt to cable movement while maintaining form stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The opening between guide tracks is controlled within specific ranges (5-50 mm or 10-30 mm) rather than being completely closed, optimizing the balance between cable stability and ease of insertion/removal. This parameter optimization allows sufficient cable support while maintaining operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If parts of the line support are bent for cable insertion/removal, then cable accessibility is improved, but the support components may experience permanent deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable accessibilityVSAvoidsupport component durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The guide tracks are designed with pre-calculated curvature radii and dimensional parameters that cushion and distribute insertion/removal forces throughout the structure. This beforehand design prevents localized stress concentrations that could lead to permanent deformation during cable operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The curved guide track design provides a predetermined path that copies the ideal cable routing geometry, eliminating the need for forceful bending during installation. The pre-formed curved structure guides cables naturally along the desired path without requiring deformation of the support components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Manufacturing precision

If guide tracks have small curvature radius, then cable routing precision is improved, but mechanical stress on cables increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable routing precisionVSAvoidmechanical stress on cables
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The curvature radius of guide tracks is optimized within specific parameter ranges (50-200 mm or 100-300 mm) to balance routing precision with mechanical stress reduction. This parameter optimization ensures cables follow precise paths while experiencing acceptable bending stresses that maintain cable integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The guide tracks provide slightly more lateral space than the minimum cable diameter requires, allowing cables to be routed with adequate clearance. This partial excess in dimensions prevents excessive mechanical stress while maintaining sufficient routing precision for functional cable installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3637570B1Line support
Publication Date: 2021.02.24 GUSTAV HENSEL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3637570B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3637570B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3637570B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cable support for the surface-free laying of cables, comprising a base part for mounting the cable support on a surface, a cable guidance area and a connection area, wherein the cable guidance area has a guide track which has a curved profile.