Flexible Flat Band Cable Routing for Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable routing systems in medical apparatuses face challenges in efficiently routing cables in small, flexible spaces due to limited bending radius and rigidity, which restricts their ability to accommodate the complex movements of apparatus components.
Innovation Solution
A flexible flat band with attaching devices that allow cables to deform and move with the band in arbitrary directions, featuring a material like carbon fiber or spring steel for enhanced flexibility and conductivity, enabling reduced bending radius and easy attachment through protrusions and holding elements, and incorporating electrical connections for integrated functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If cable chains are used for routing cables, then cables can be routed in a structured manner, but the bending radius is limited and the space required is relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional rigid cable chains with a flexible flat band made of thin, flexible material. This band can be bent in arbitrary directions without permanent deformation, enabling cable routing in tight spaces while maintaining cable organization. The thin film structure eliminates the minimum bending radius constraint of traditional cable chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the cable routing system by using a flat band with specific material properties (flexibility, elasticity) rather than rigid chain structures. This allows the routing system to adapt to varying spatial requirements and motion ranges within the medical apparatus.
2Reliability
If cables are rigidly fixed to the band, then stable attachment is achieved, but the cables cannot accommodate band deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic attaching devices that allow cables to move relative to the band while maintaining attachment. The attaching devices can slide along the band or adjust their position, enabling cables to accommodate band deformation during apparatus operation while maintaining stable electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The attaching devices serve as intermediaries between the flexible band and the cables. These devices transfer the deformation from the band to the cables in a controlled manner, allowing the cables to follow the band's motion without rigid constraints that would cause failure.
3Volume of moving object
If the band is made highly flexible to reduce bending radius, then space requirements are reduced, but manufacturing precision and material selection become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material structures for the flat band, combining materials with different properties to achieve the desired flexibility while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. The composite structure allows control over bending characteristics, elasticity, and durability through material selection and layer configuration.
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 cable routing system effectively routes cables in tight spaces, accommodating arbitrary motions of apparatus components while providing stable and flexible attachment, reducing manufacturing costs and ensuring electromagnetic compatibility protection.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible flat band configured to be able to be deformed from its stretched out shape without assuming a permanent changed form
Implementation Method 2
attaching a cable to the band in a sliding manner
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A cable routing system (4) is provided. The cable routing system (4) comprises a flexible flat band (6) being able to be deformed from its stretched out shape without assuming a permanent changed form and several attaching devices (7) in intervals along a longitudinal direction of the band (6) for attaching a cable (5) to the band (6) in a sliding manner.