Motor Vehicle Platform Flexible Line Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The routing of flexible lines on motor vehicle work platforms is hindered by sagging, knotting, and difficulty in replacement due to limited space and high stress, making quick and easy interchangeability challenging.
Innovation Solution
A flexible line routing system that uses a tension roller and elastic traction cables, allowing the line to be looped and stretched in a low-profile configuration, with deflection rollers and accessible tensioning means for easy inspection and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coiled cables are used for flexible line routing, then the line can be extended and returned to a compact shape, but the cables sag under their own weight and create obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the flexible line routing from a vertical/coiled configuration to a horizontal/planar configuration by guiding the line along the bottom surface of the platform. This dimensional change allows the line to be laid flat without sagging, eliminating the obstruction problem while maintaining extendability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces guide rollers and tensioning devices as intermediary elements to manage the flexible line. These intermediaries prevent direct sagging by providing support points and controlled tension, allowing the line to maintain its position without creating obstacles during extension and retraction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible lines are freely suspended to allow movement, then the tool can be displaced, but the lines become obstacles and sag under their own weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the flexible line routing from a vertical suspension configuration to a horizontal planar configuration along the platform bottom. This allows tool displacement in the vertical working space while the line remains laid flat horizontally, eliminating sagging obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
Guide rollers and tensioning devices serve as intermediaries that enable tool displacement while preventing line sagging. These elements provide controlled support and tension, allowing the line to accommodate tool movement without creating obstructions.
3Ease of operation
If the platform height is reduced to allow easy vehicle drive-up, then the overall height is low, but the space below the platform for cable routing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the horizontal bottom surface of the platform as a routing dimension rather than relying on vertical space below the platform. This allows adequate cable routing space to be created in the horizontal plane, maintaining low platform height for easy vehicle access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the platform structure to create dedicated routing channels or grooves in the bottom surface. This segmentation organizes the flexible line routing into defined paths, providing sufficient space for cable management without increasing overall platform height.
4Reliability
If flexible lines are routed through closed passages or tubing, then the routing is protected, but the lines become difficult to inspect and replace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses guide rollers and tensioning devices as intermediaries that provide protection through controlled guidance and support, rather than enclosed tubing. These intermediaries maintain line position and prevent damage while leaving the line accessible for inspection and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs movable guide rollers and adjustable tensioning devices that can be dynamically repositioned or adjusted to facilitate line replacement. This dynamic capability allows the routing system to adapt during maintenance, providing protection during operation and accessibility during repair.
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 maintains a low overall height, prevents sagging, and facilitates quick and easy line replacement without special tools, enhancing accessibility and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a traction means in the form of an elastic traction cable (20) is provided which runs underneath the running rail (2)
Implementation Method 2
the line routing for the flexible line is looped back around a loose tension roller (16)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~8
AI summary
A platform (1) for working on motor vehicles, in particular in the form of a lifting platform, with at least one tool (4) which can be moved longitudinally on the platform (1) within a predetermined positioning range (9) and which is connected to a connection (11) on the platform (1) via a flexible line (3) to be guided, is designed with a low-profile arrangement of the flexible line, while also allowing access to the line for replacement in case of damage or contamination, such that the line (3) is guided flat below the platform (1) in a loop (12) with opposing, approximately parallel line sections (13, 14) and with a deflection (15) between them around at least one loose tension roller (16), wherein the tension roller (16) is located close to the platform (1) and with its axis oriented perpendicular to the platform (1) and is pre-tensioned by a tensioning device (20).that the tensioning roller (16) pulls towards the line sections (13, 14) in a stretching manner, and wherein the clamping device (20) is designed with a clamping travel reduced compared to the adjustment range (9) of the tool (4).