Mechanical Bush Centering Helix Cable in Telescopic Power Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The continuous expansion and retraction of helix cables within telescoping components of electric power devices can cause friction and damage, leading to electrical connectivity issues and reduced cable lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical bush is introduced to center the helix cable within the telescoping tube, preventing damage by maintaining the cable's central position during extension and collapse, thereby reducing friction and electrical risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a helix cable is used to accommodate telescopic extension and retraction, then the device can be freely operated without cord range limitations, but friction between the helix cable and housing increases causing cable damage and electrical connectivity issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational freedomVSAvoidcable integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A mechanical bush is introduced as an intermediary component between the helix cable and the telescopic housing. The bush has a hollow cylindrical structure with an inner diameter that receives the helix cable, creating a dedicated guiding pathway that separates the cable from direct contact with the housing walls, thereby reducing friction and preventing damage while maintaining operational freedom

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the helix cable expands and retracts continuously with telescopic movement, then the cable can accommodate different lengths, but friction and abrasion increase causing reduced cable lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable length accommodationVSAvoidcable lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical bush serves as a mediator that guides the helix cable during expansion and retraction movements. By providing a smooth internal surface and proper clearance, the bush minimizes abrasion and friction throughout the cable's operational life, thereby extending cable lifespan while maintaining adaptability to telescopic length changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical bush is pre-installed in the telescopic housing to establish a protected pathway for the helix cable before any telescopic movement occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that the cable is guided and protected from the first movement, preventing cumulative damage over repeated expansion and retraction cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3108481B1Mechanical bush for centering helix cable
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP3108481B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3108481B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3108481B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An electric power device (500) may include a power source (510), a working assembly (520) powered by the power source (510) via a power cable (540), and a telescopic member (530) extending at least in part between the power source (510) and the working assembly (520). The telescopic member (530) may be extendable between an extended state and a non-extended state. The power cable (540) may be extendible and collapsible to at least some degree to accommodate extension and collapsing of the telescopic member (530) between the extended state and the non-extended state, respectively. The power cable (540) may include a transition region (230) where the power cable (540) transitions to a helix portion (220). The telescopic member (530) may include a cable centering assembly (550) that is disposed proximate to the transition region (230) to inhibit damage to the power cable (540) responsive to the telescopic member (530) collapsing to the non-extended state.