Flexible Line Retaining Device with Moveable Guiding Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable management devices are inflexible and require multiple configurations for different angled corners and line sizes, leading to inefficiencies and potential kinking issues, especially for lines carrying fluids.
Innovation Solution
A retaining device with moveable members and guiding means that can adjust to form convex, concave, or straight configurations, using convex and concave surfaces to determine and inhibit kinking of flexible lines, and a living hinge for versatility, along with helically-shaped retaining portions to accommodate various line sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for different angled corners and line sizes, then the ability to manage various flexible lines is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining device is designed with a moveable second member that can be positioned in multiple configurations (first position for convex corners, second position for concave corners) and includes retaining portions that accommodate different line sizes. This single device performs the functions of multiple specialized devices, allowing one device to manage various flexible lines around different angled corners without requiring a stock of differently configured devices
Solution Approach 2:
The second member is moveably attached to the first member, enabling dynamic repositioning between different angular configurations. This movability allows the device to adapt to different corner angles and line sizes by adjusting the position of the second member, transforming a static single-function device into a dynamic multi-function device
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid retaining surfaces are used, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to accommodate different line sizes and angles without kinking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable attachment of the second member to the first member enables the device to dynamically adjust its configuration while maintaining structural integrity. The device remains stable in each configured position while being able to transition between positions to accommodate different line sizes and angles, resolving the contradiction between rigid stability and flexible adaptability
3Area of stationary object
If acute angled corners are used, then the space efficiency is improved, but the risk of line kinking and fluid flow constriction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding means is positioned to preemptively guide the flexible line around the corner before it can kink. By providing a predetermined path with appropriate curvature radius, the device prevents the harmful kinking effect from occurring in the first place, allowing acute angled corners to be used efficiently while protecting against fluid flow constriction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A retaining device for a flexible line, comprising a first member (100), a second member (200) moveably attachable to the first member, and a guiding means (110,210) positioned on either or both of the first member (100) and the second member (200). The first member has a first retaining portion (400) positioned on a first retaining surface (100a) of the first member. The second member has a second retaining portion (400) positioned on a second retaining surface (200a) of the second member. The first retaining portion and the second retaining portion are each configured to retain a flexible line, and the guiding means (110, 210) is configured to determine the curvature of the flexible line to inhibit kinking of the flexible line when retained by the first retaining portion (400) and the second retaining portion (400).