Flexible Cable Management Device for Medical Accessories

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cable management systems in medical devices face issues with tangling, chafing, and dislodging due to rigid structures and frequent movement of accessory devices, leading to operational disruptions and cable degradation.

Innovation Solution

A flexible cable management device with a planar base and deformable wings that allow cables to move freely while maintaining their position, using a combination of slots and mounting holes to secure cables without binding or chafing, and featuring a material like silicone or rubber for elasticity and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid cable management structures are used to maintain cable position, then cable organization is improved, but cable binding and rubbing occur during device movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable organizationVSAvoidcable binding and rubbing

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible cable management structures that can deform and adapt to device movement. The flexible material allows the structure to maintain cable organization while accommodating positional changes, preventing binding and rubbing that would occur with rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cable management structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to change configuration in response to device movement. This dynamic flexibility enables the structure to maintain effective cable organization while preventing harmful binding and rubbing forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If cables are secured tightly to prevent tangling, then cable organization is improved, but cable dislodging occurs during frequent relocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable organizationVSAvoidcable retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible cable management structure provides secure cable retention through elastic deformation rather than rigid constraint. The flexibility allows the structure to maintain tight securing during normal operation while accommodating relocation without causing dislodging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The structure changes its physical parameters (flexibility, deformation) in response to operational conditions. During normal use, it maintains tight cable securing; during relocation, it becomes more compliant to prevent dislodging while maintaining organization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If flexible cable management structures are used to allow free movement, then cable binding is reduced, but cable organization deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable bindingVSAvoidcable organization

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible structure maintains cable organization through elastic restoration. When cables move, the flexible material deforms to accommodate movement without binding, then returns to its original configuration to maintain organization, preventing both binding and disorganization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic flexible structure adapts its rigidity based on operational needs. It provides flexibility during movement to prevent binding, then restores organization through elastic recovery, maintaining stable cable arrangement without causing binding forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Stability of the object's composition

If rigid mounting structures are used to secure accessory devices, then device stability is improved, but cable chafing occurs during frequent reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidcable chafing

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible cable management structure mounted on stable device fixtures provides secure device stability while the flexibility of the cable management portion prevents chafing during reconfiguration. The rigid mounting provides stability, while the flexible cable path prevents contact damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 effectively reduces strain on cables, prevents tangling and chafing, and maintains cable organization even during device movement, ensuring continuous operation and reducing the likelihood of cable damage.

Implementation Method 1

featuring a material like silicone or rubber for elasticity and durability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11622456B2Methods and systems for a cable management system

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

Various methods and systems are provided for a cable management device. In one example, the cable management device has a planar base with a plurality of mounting holes, a first wing framing a first slot positioned along a first side of the base, and a second wing framing a second slot along a second side of the base. The wings may flex from a first configuration to a second configuration in response to a contact force.