Guide-Strand Energy Chain Guiding for Lateral Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line guiding systems for supply lines, particularly those using energy chains, are complex to install and expensive due to the need for robust guide troughs with parallel side walls, which require precise alignment and bolting to supporting structures.
Innovation Solution
A simplified line guiding system using a guide strand with profile regions that interact with the line guiding apparatus to stabilize its path, eliminating the need for distinct side walls by engaging with the guide strand through projecting and recessed interengagement, allowing for a more cost-effective and easier installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guide troughs with parallel side walls are used to guide the line guiding apparatus, then the line guiding apparatus is stabilized against lateral deviation, but the installation complexity and production cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid guide troughs with flexible guide strands that have a circular cross-section. These strands are tensioned between support points to maintain their shape and provide guiding function. The flexibility allows easy installation and adaptation to different paths without requiring precise alignment of rigid components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential guiding function from the complex guide trough structure and implements it through simple guide strands with profile regions. Only the necessary elements (guide strands and profile regions) are retained, while eliminating unnecessary components like parallel side walls, angle brackets, and bolted connections.
2Reliability
If guide troughs with parallel side walls are used to guide the line guiding apparatus, then the line guiding apparatus is stabilized against lateral deviation, but the production cost increases due to multiple components and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The guide strands can be manufactured as simple flexible elements with circular cross-section, which is much cheaper than fabricating rigid guide troughs with precise parallel side walls. The profile regions can be added as simple attachments or molded features, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding system is divided into discrete guide strands and profile regions that can be manufactured separately and assembled simply. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing of individual components and reduces the need for complex tooling and assembly processes required for integrated guide trough structures.
3Reliability
If guide troughs with parallel side walls are used, then robust guiding is achieved, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible guide strands can be quickly installed by simply tensioning them between support points, eliminating the time-consuming processes of aligning and bolting rigid guide trough components. The profile regions can be attached to the line guiding apparatus in a straightforward manner without requiring precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide strands are tensioned to create a dynamic stable structure that adapts to the installation environment. This tensioned configuration provides robust guiding while allowing for quick installation and adjustment, as the strands can be easily tensioned and repositioned compared to fixed rigid structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A line guiding system comprising an articulated line guiding apparatus which, for guiding supply lines between two connection points that are movable relative to each other, is curved about a deflection axis extending in a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction, and a separate guiding device for guiding the line guiding apparatus along at least a section of the travel path. The guiding device comprises at least one guide strand, which is arrangeable for predefining a desired course of the section of the travel path. The line guiding apparatus comprises external profile regions, which are arranged for lying against and/or on the guide strand and are shaped with a profile shape for a transversely stabilizing guiding against or on the guide strand by projecting and/or recessed interengagement of guide strand and profile shape to counteract a lateral deviation of the movable line guiding apparatus in the transverse direction.