Flexible Convoluted Web Retention Mechanism for Line Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retention mechanisms fail to effectively block contaminants while allowing movement of lines relative to a support structure, particularly in vehicles or equipment, where lines like fluid, mechanical, or electrical components pass through.

Innovation Solution

A retention mechanism comprising a flexible convoluted web with first and second conduits that block contaminants and allow movement of lines by being fixed to the lines and extending through passageways, with clamps and a design that accommodates various line diameters through slits and frusto-conical portions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a rigid retention mechanism is used to block contaminants, then contaminant protection is improved, but the ability to accommodate line movement is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant protectionVSAvoidline movement accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible convoluted web as the retention mechanism. This web is formed from a flexible material that can bend and deform to accommodate line movement while maintaining its function as a barrier. The convoluted geometry allows the web to flex and expand as lines move, preventing contaminants from passing through while enabling the required adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The retention mechanism transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible system. The convoluted web can change its configuration dynamically in response to line movement, expanding and contracting as needed. This dynamic behavior allows the mechanism to maintain contaminant blocking capability while adapting to varying line positions and movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible web is used to allow line movement, then adaptability is improved, but contaminant blocking capability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveline movement accommodationVSAvoidcontaminant protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible convoluted web acts as a barrier that maintains its integrity despite flexibility. The web's structure and material properties enable it to block contaminants while allowing controlled flexing and movement, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The retention mechanism uses a composite structure combining the flexible convoluted web with rigid conduits. The web provides flexibility and movement accommodation, while the rigid conduits provide robust contaminant blocking. This composite approach integrates the advantages of both flexible and rigid materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If rigid conduits are used to block contaminants, then contaminant protection is improved, but the ability to accommodate various line diameters is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontaminant protectionVSAvoidline diameter accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid conduits are integrated with the dynamic flexible web, allowing the overall structure to adapt to different line diameters. The web can flex and deform to accommodate various line sizes while the rigid conduits maintain their contaminant blocking function, combining the benefits of both rigid and flexible components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention mechanism is divided into separate functional segments: the flexible convoluted web for movement accommodation and the rigid conduits for contaminant blocking. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Effectively prevents contaminant passage while enabling the movement of lines relative to the support structure, accommodating different line sizes and types, such as hydraulic hoses, mechanical cables, and electrical wires.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible convoluted web to be mounted to the support structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The first conduit is configured to be fixed to the first line to block passage of contaminants through the first passageway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11732822B2Multi-conduit flexible retention mechanism

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A retention mechanism provided for use with a first line and a second line comprises a flexible convoluted web, a first conduit, and a second conduit. The first conduit defines a first passageway through the web, and is configured to receive the first line through the first passageway. The second conduit defines a second passageway through the web, and is configured to receive the second line through the second passageway. The first and second conduits are attached to and surrounded by the web such that the web enables movement of the first and second lines when the first and second lines are fixed respectively to the first and second conduits and extend respectively through the first and second passageways.