Flexible Cable Support for Articulated Buses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid cable-holder devices in articulated vehicles are inadequate in withstanding mechanical stresses during vehicle movement, leading to frequent damage and maintenance needs, while articulated systems are complex, expensive, and difficult to assemble.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cable supporting device with a deformable laminar element connecting two units, allowing elastic deformation and distribution of stresses through a curvilinear path, supported by a U-shaped frame and rollers to maintain cables in a horizontal plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid cable-holder devices are used, then cable protection is provided, but the devices are damaged frequently due to mechanical stresses during vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The cable supporting device transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic system with articulated connections that can move and adapt. The device incorporates joints and flexible elements that allow it to follow vehicle movements and compensate for misalignments between articulated units, thereby maintaining cable protection while withstanding mechanical stresses without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its geometric parameters (position, orientation, shape) in response to vehicle movement. The articulated structure allows the cable holder to adjust its configuration dynamically, changing angles and positions to accommodate misalignments while maintaining adequate cable support and protection throughout the range of motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If articulated cable-holder devices are used, then misalignments are compensated, but the construction becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The cable supporting device is divided into multiple modular segments or components connected by simple joints. This segmentation allows each part to be relatively simple in design while the combination of parts provides the necessary articulated motion and misalignment compensation. The modular structure also simplifies assembly and maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If articulated cable-holder devices are used, then misalignments are compensated, but assembly and cable placement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated cable holder is pre-assembled as a complete unit or sub-assembly before installation in the vehicle. The articulated mechanism is configured in advance during manufacturing, allowing for quality control and testing before field installation. This preliminary assembly simplifies on-site installation and cable placement, as the device arrives ready-to-install with all mechanical connections pre-established.
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 flexible device effectively absorbs and distributes mechanical stresses, reducing damage and maintenance frequency by adapting to unit misalignments and movements, ensuring cables remain securely positioned without causing undue stress.
Implementation Method 1
allowing elastic deformation and distribution of stresses through a curvilinear path
Data Source
AI summary
Defined is a device for supporting cables for articulated vehicles, in particular articulated buses, designed for installation above a connecting compartment between two adjacent units and articulated to each other of an articulated vehicle, said device being provided for supporting cables above said connecting compartment between said units, with said device including at least one flexible connecting element fixed to the corresponding ends of said two units, provided with a series of cable-holder elements and each defining at least one receiving seat provided for housing at least one cable, the device further including at least one carriage and a frame, the carriage being supported slidably along said frame and being configured for supporting the flexible connecting element.