Flat Cable Guide Device with U-Shaped Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat-cable guide devices require large arrangement spaces and cannot efficiently apply reversing movements, leading to mobility issues due to unstable cable attitudes in curved sections.
Innovation Solution
A flat-cable guide device with linear slits in opposing walls at prescribed angles, connected by a U-shaped guide path, allowing for displacement and reversing movements without compromising cable mobility, using first, second, and third cable guide paths to manage cable twists and attitudes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flat cable is arranged in an S-shaped cable arrangement path with first and second horizontal arrangement paths extended in the same direction, then the displacement in width direction can be applied to the flat cable, but the length dimension of the device in horizontal direction is enlarged requiring large arrangement space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reconfigures the cable path from a horizontal S-shape to a vertical arrangement. The first and second cable guide paths are arranged vertically with the first above the second, and the U-shaped connection path bridges them vertically. This dimensional change from horizontal to vertical arrangement achieves the same width displacement function while reducing horizontal footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the first cable guide path, second cable guide path, and U-shaped connection path into a single integrated guide structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate horizontal arrangement paths and reduces the overall device footprint while maintaining the cable displacement functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If curved parts are formed in the flat cable in two positions of upper and lower sides of the inclined arrangement path with twists in opposite directions, then the flat cable can be returned to standing position, but structures are not provided to regulate cable attitude causing instability when cable is pulled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cable holding members as intermediary structures that actively regulate cable attitude. These holding members engage with the cable at multiple points along the guide paths, providing continuous attitude control rather than relying solely on the cable's own curvature. This intermediary structure ensures stable cable positioning during movement by preventing lateral displacement and maintaining proper cable orientation.
Data Source
AI summary
A flat-cable guide device (1) includes first and second cable guide paths (30, 40) in which slits (S2) of rear end walls (32, 42) which respectively allow a flat cable (200) to be inserted are provided so as to be inclined at a prescribed angle (θ) to slits (S1) of front end walls (31, 41) and a third cable guide path (50) which connects the slits (S2) and (S2) in the rear end walls (32) and (42) of the two guide paths by a U-shaped guide path (53) in which the flat cable (200) can move.