Multi-Axial Line Guide With Overlapping Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line guides for cables and hoses offer limited protection against external influences and cumbersome insertion/removal processes due to their design, which compromises protection and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A line guide with articulated links that allow partial overlap of casing parts in the longitudinal direction, featuring a joint arrangement enabling segments to swing open, providing increased protection and easier access to guide channels while maintaining a closed sheathing effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If slot-shaped openings are provided in the jacket parts for inserting or removing lines, then the insertion and removal of lines becomes possible, but the protection of the routed lines is reduced and the openings expose the interior to external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The jacket part is divided into multiple segments that can be independently opened. Instead of providing continuous slot-shaped openings, the jacket is segmented into sections that can be swung open only when needed, maintaining closure elsewhere to preserve protection against external influences while enabling line insertion and removal at specific locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The jacket segments are designed to be dynamically openable and closable through hinge connections. The segments can be swung open to provide access for line insertion/removal and then closed again to restore protective enclosure, transforming the static jacket into a dynamic structure that adapts its openness based on operational needs.
2Ease of operation
If the jacket parts are arranged one behind the other at a distance to allow segment movement, then the segments can be swung open for access, but the protective function against chips and sparks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The jacket segments are designed to overlap with adjacent segments when closed, creating a nested configuration where each segment partially covers the adjacent ones. This overlapping arrangement ensures that when the jacket is closed, there are no gaps between segments, maintaining continuous protection against chips and sparks while still allowing individual segments to be opened for access.
3Device complexity
If hinge components are located on the outside of the shell parts, then the joint arrangement can be accessed, but protruding parts appear on the outer surface and the joint arrangement is exposed to external influences
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of locating the hinge components on the outside of the jacket segments for easy access, the hinges are inverted and positioned on the inside of the segments. This internal positioning keeps the outer surface smooth and closed for maximum protection, while the hinge functionality is maintained through the internal arrangement, allowing segments to swing open without external protrusions.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a guide (1) with links (2) that are articulated to be articulated to each other in multiple axes, wherein a link (2) has an inner part (3) with corresponding articulated joint connectors (5, 6) that are articulated to each other in multiple axes and a outer part (4) for circumferential delimitation of at least one guide channel (7) and the outer part (4) comprises at least one segment (10) which is pivotably connected to a web (20) on the inner part (3) for circumferential access to the associated guide channel (7).To facilitate the insertion and removal of cables and to provide increased protection for them, it is proposed that adjacent links (2) overlap with their sheath parts (4) in the longitudinal direction (L); and that a hinge arrangement (30) with at least two degrees of freedom is provided between the at least one segment (10) and the web (20), by which the segment (10) is pivotably mounted over an adjacent segment (10) in addition to the pivoting movement.