Elastomeric Cable Sleeve with Tapered Profile for Fray Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard cables used for charging personal electronics often fray or break due to repeated bending and movement, with temporary solutions like tape or glue failing to prevent damage effectively, and there is a need for a device that both protects the cable ends and aids in cable identification.
Innovation Solution
A tubular elastomeric sleeve with a tapered profile, designed to fit over USB-sized cable ends, combined with a tool for easy installation, which restricts bending and provides color-coded identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable end is left unprotected, then the cable is flexible and easy to move, but the cable end frays and breaks due to repeated bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible elastomeric sleeve that conforms to the cable end geometry. The sleeve material provides flexibility while protecting the cable end from fraying and breaking during repeated bending operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sleeve is installed on the cable end before use to provide preemptive protection. The sleeve cushions the cable end against mechanical stress and bending forces that would otherwise cause fraying and breakage.
2Reliability
If adhesive solutions like tape or glue are used to protect cable ends, then temporary protection is provided, but the protection is not durable and does not prevent damage effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sleeve provides a durable, flexible protective shell that remains intact over time unlike adhesive solutions. The sleeve maintains its protective function through repeated use and cleaning cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is designed as a replaceable protective element that can be easily removed and replaced when worn. This allows for long-term protection by periodically replacing the sleeve rather than relying on permanent adhesives that fail.
3Reliability
If a protective device is added to cable ends, then cable fraying is prevented, but the device adds complexity to the cable structure
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sleeve is a simple, single-component flexible shell that slides over the cable end. This simple structure provides effective protection without adding mechanical complexity to the cable assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is designed to be self-installing by sliding over the cable end without requiring adhesives, fasteners, or complex assembly procedures. The sleeve serves its protective function independently without additional components.
4Ease of manufacture
If all cable protective devices are made the same, then manufacturing is simple, but cable identification becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sleeve is available in multiple colors that can be assigned to different cable types, devices, or ownership. This color-coding system provides visual identification while maintaining the same simple protective function and manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve serves dual functions: mechanical protection against fraying and visual identification through color coding. This multi-functionality is achieved without complicating the manufacturing process, as the same basic sleeve design is produced in different colors.
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 elastomeric sleeve effectively prevents cable fraying and damage by restricting bending at cable ends, while the tool ensures easy installation and the color coding facilitates cable identification.
Implementation Method 1
The device is a generally tubular and elastomeric body... The device functions as an elastic and flexible sleeve to prevent significant bending of the cable at the cable ends
Implementation Method 2
The tubular body of the device is generally provided with a tapered thickness or comprised of separate tiers of thicknesses wherein the elastomeric body is generally able conform to wider and smaller dimensioned surfaces in combination
Data Source
AI summary
A system for installing a cord sleeve includes a first lever arm, the first lever arm including a first protrusion approximately perpendicular to the first lever arm. The system further includes a second lever arm, the second lever arm including a second protrusion approximately perpendicular to the second lever arm. The first and second lever arm intersect at a pivot point and are pivotally attached to each other at the pivot point, such that the first protrusion and the second protrusion are parallel and adjustment to each other, the first lever arm and the second lever arm having a first position where the first protrusion and the second protrusion are together and a second position where the first protrusion and the second protrusion are separated. The system further includes the first lever arm includes a ball portion at the pivot point.