Modular Cable Protector Tool Engagement Undercut

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Solution Overview

Problem

Disassembling modular cable protectors is labor-intensive, requiring workers to stoop and manually disengage end connectors, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially when dealing with large numbers of protectors at events or in industrial settings.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating tool engagement features such as slots with undercuts on the cable protectors allows for the use of a hand tool to easily disengage end connectors by exerting an upward force, simplifying the disassembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual disengagement of end connectors is used, then no additional tool engagement features are needed, but disassembly becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisassembly operationVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (tool engagement feature with undercut) that mediates between the worker and the end connector. The undercut acts as a mechanical intermediary that amplifies the worker's upward force, allowing easy disengagement without direct manual manipulation of the connector itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The end connector is segmented into functional components: the connector body, the engagement interface, and the tool engagement feature with undercut. This segmentation allows the undercut to be positioned strategically to provide mechanical advantage for disengagement while maintaining the integrity of the connector's primary function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If tool engagement features with undercuts are added, then disassembly becomes faster and easier, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisassembly speedVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The undercut is added only at the specific location where tool engagement occurs, rather than redesigning the entire connector. This localized modification provides the necessary mechanical advantage for fast disassembly while minimizing the overall structural complexity and material usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing the connector to be easily assembled and accepting difficult disassembly, the patent inverts the approach by adding the undercut feature that specifically facilitates disengagement. This inversion addresses the asymmetry in assembly/disassembly difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If workers manually disengage connectors by stooping and using fingers, then no tools are needed, but worker fatigue increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisassembly operationVSAvoiddisassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tool engagement feature with undercut serves as a mechanical intermediary that replaces direct manual finger manipulation. This intermediary allows workers to use tools to leverage the undercut, reducing physical strain and increasing disassembly speed without requiring complex tool-free manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10522993B2Modular cable protector

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 HENRY STEPHEN K

AI summary

A plurality of modular cable protectors can be removably connected in series by complementary end connectors at each end. Each cable protector also includes a number of tool engagement features that that can be removably engaged by a tool that enables a user to exert an upward force to disengage the end connectors on adjacent cable protectors. For example, the tool engagement features can be slots in the top surface of the cable protector with undercuts adjacent to the lower ends of the slots. A tool with vertical rods is manually inserted into the slots to disengage the cable protectors. Horizontal projections at the bottom of the vertical rods engage the undercuts in the slots, and allow the user to disengage adjacent cable protectors by lifting upward on the tool.