Helical Cable Routing Device for Large Rotation Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable routing devices have a large installation volume and are limited to a small angle of rotation in their circular motion, restricting their versatility and efficiency in guiding power lines between moving connection points.
Innovation Solution
A cable routing device featuring a flat circular band wound helically around a central axis, which can be prestressed like a tension spring, allowing for a continuous helix shape that enables a wide range of rotation angles and a compact, flexible design with reduced radial size and overall height, incorporating a sliding body to stabilize the deflection bend and minimize sliding friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cable routing devices are used, then they can guide power lines between connection points, but they have a large installation volume and are limited to a small angle of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing device uses a circular arc body with a curved guide space instead of straight or angular components. This curvature allows the device to accommodate large angles of rotation while maintaining a compact radial footprint, as the circular geometry naturally distributes the rotational movement along an arc rather than requiring linear extension
Solution Approach 2:
The power lines are arranged in a nested configuration within the circular arc body, with multiple cables positioned concentrically along the radial direction. This nesting allows multiple cables to share the same spatial envelope, reducing the overall installation volume while maintaining the ability to guide all cables through the circular motion
2Volume of moving object
If the circular band is wound tightly in layers, then the radial size is reduced, but sliding friction increases during circular movement
Solution Approach 1:
The circular band is designed with differentiated surface properties: the first side has a continuous sliding surface with reduced friction characteristics for contact during movement, while the second side provides structural integrity and cable guidance. This local differentiation allows the band to maintain tight winding for compact size while minimizing friction at the contact interface
Solution Approach 2:
A sliding body is introduced as an intermediary element between the circular band and the deflection bend. This sliding body reduces direct frictional contact by providing a low-friction interface, allowing the tightly wound band to move smoothly during circular rotation without excessive sliding friction
3Volume of moving object
If the circular band is made flexible to reduce installation volume, then the radial size decreases, but the stability of the cable routing decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circular band is constructed as a flexible thin-walled structure that can bend and conform to the circular arc geometry. This flexibility allows the device to be compact and adaptable to different installation configurations while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through the circular arc shape and material selection
Solution Approach 2:
The circular arc body provides inherent structural stability through its curved geometry, which distributes mechanical stresses evenly during circular movement. This curvature creates a rigid-like behavior despite the flexible material, stabilizing the cable routing while allowing the overall device to maintain a compact radial size
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 solution allows for a compact and flexible cable routing system that can guide power lines over a large central angle, reducing installation volume and enhancing the stability and smooth operation of the cable movement, while maintaining low sliding friction and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the sliding body in the installed position in the cable routing device on the inside of the deflection base rests at least partially on the sliding surface of the deflection bend in a sliding manner
Implementation Method 2
the arc-shaped body is prestressed like a tension spring in the use position via the connection points along the central axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a cable routing device for receiving and guiding power lines or supply lines in a circular motion between two connecting points that can be moved relative to one another and to a sliding body. The cable routing device has a circular arc-shaped body and a routing space for the cables. The basic shape of the body is a flat, circular ring-shaped ribbon having one or more layers that in a provisioning position are wound helically about a center line, wherein the ribbon comprises circumferential narrow sides and opposing larger sides, a first side and a second side, which connect said narrow sides. The first side is designed at least over a radial portion as an at least substantially continuous sliding surface. The routing space is arranged on the second side.