Long Object Guiding Device Segmented Guide Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing long object guiding devices face challenges in assembly due to the configuration of projections and guide grooves, which hinder the coupling operation of links and make it difficult to assemble the device efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The design includes pivotally coupled links with engaging and restricting portions that allow for a third state facilitating easier coupling, and elastically deformable extensions that accommodate and secure long objects, reducing the number of components and enhancing assembly efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If projections are fitted to guide grooves along the entire pivoting range to prevent disengagement, then reliability of link coupling is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove is segmented into a first guide groove and a second guide groove that are positioned at different locations. The projection interacts with the first guide groove during assembly to enable easy coupling, and with the second guide groove during operation to prevent disengagement. This segmentation allows the same structural feature to serve different functions at different stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The first guide groove is positioned to facilitate the preliminary assembly action by guiding the projection into place during coupling. This preliminary guidance enables easy assembly before the link reaches its operational position, where the second guide groove then takes over to maintain reliability during pivoting movements.
2Reliability
If projections and guide grooves are configured to restrain disengagement, then link coupling reliability is improved, but ease of operation during assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the guide groove structure provide different qualities: the first guide groove provides a generous, easily accessible geometry for assembly operations, while the second guide groove provides a more constrained geometry for operational reliability. This local differentiation of geometric properties allows both assembly ease and operational reliability to be optimized in their respective contexts.
Data Source
AI summary
A long object guiding device includes pivotally coupled links. Each link includes a pair of link portions facing each other in a width direction. The links are pivotally coupled together in a state in which the links are arranged in series in a serial direction. A first link and a second link, which are adjacent to each other in the serial direction, are pivotal between a first state and a second state. Each link portion has a first engaging portion and first and second restricting members. An opening is formed between the first restricting member and the second restricting member. When the first and second links are located in a third state between the first state and the second state, the first engaging portion of the second link is aligned with the opening of the first link in the width direction.