Flat Cable Winding Mechanism for Compact Power Supply Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply structures for movable bodies, such as sunroofs, are difficult to install and tend to be large and complex, especially when using cables without elastic members.
Innovation Solution
A power supply structure featuring a rail member, a slider, and a flat cable with an extra part draw-in mechanism that includes a central axis with a winding face, a rotary body, an urging member, and a slit with a curved opening to wind and unwind the cable, allowing for easy installation and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional power supply structure with separate guide cases is used, then cable management is achieved, but installation difficulty increases and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the first and second extra part draw-in guide cases into a single integrated guide case structure. The guide case is configured with a first storage space for the first extra part and a second storage space for the second extra part, eliminating the need for separate guide cases while maintaining cable management functionality. This merging reduces the number of components and simplifies installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated guide case serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores both the first extra part (from the vehicle body side) and the second extra part (from the sunroof side), provides guidance for cable movement, and maintains a compact structure. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive cable management.
2Ease of operation
If conventional power supply structure with separate guide cases is used, then cable management is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide case structure is designed with nested storage spaces where the first storage space and second storage space are arranged in a nested or adjacent configuration. The first extra part and second extra part are stored within the same guide case housing, with each extra part having its designated storage compartment. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization and minimizes the overall volume of the cable management system.
3Quantity of substance
If cable without elastic member is used, then cost is reduced, but structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide case structure is designed to automatically manage the cable extra parts without requiring elastic members or complex tensioning mechanisms. The first extra part and second extra part are simply stored in their respective storage spaces within the guide case, and the structure itself provides the necessary guidance and management. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional components like elastic members, maintaining cable simplicity while avoiding increased structure complexity.
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 solution simplifies installation, reduces bulk, and ensures the cable's durability by preventing stress concentration at the slit opening, allowing for repeated winding and unwinding without breakage.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member that urges the rotary body in a winding direction of the flat cable
Implementation Method 2
a winding face for the flat cable on its outer circumferential face
Data Source
AI summary
An extra part draw-in mechanism includes a central axis having a winding face for the flat cable on its outer circumferential face, a rotary body arranged around the central axis and rotatably supported with the central axis at a center of the rotary body, an urging member that urges the rotary body in a winding direction of the flat cable, and a slit that is formed in the central axis and has an opening in the winding face of the central axis to accept and hold the flat cable. The opening of the slit in the winding face of the central axis is curved along a winding direction.