Profiled Winding Element for Flexible Cable Sheath

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable sheaths, such as hoses and adhesive tapes, face issues like exposure to dirt and moisture, increased weight, reduced flexibility, and high storage costs due to the need for multiple diameters, and difficulty in adding or removing cables.

Innovation Solution

A strip-shaped winding part with profiled structures that form a form-fitting connection, allowing for flexible wrapping and easy assembly, with optional notches and varying material thickness for enhanced protection and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If hoses with longitudinal slits are used to allow cable insertion, then cable installation becomes easier, but the slit can gape during movements causing cable exposure to dirt and moisture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable insertionVSAvoidcable exposure to dirt and moisture
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible adhesive tape wrap instead of a rigid hosed with slits. The tape can be applied after cable installation by wrapping it around the cable bundle, eliminating the need for pre-formed hoses with slits. This flexible application method provides continuous coverage without gaps while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive tape is designed to be applied in advance or at the time of cable installation, creating a protective covering before the cable is put into service. This preliminary action ensures the cable is protected from the start, avoiding the need for complex slit-hose structures that require precise alignment and closing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple spiral hoses with different diameters are kept ready for cable bundles with different numbers and cross sections, then adaptability to different cable configurations is improved, but warehousing costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different cable bundlesVSAvoidwarehousing costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive tape wrap system is designed to be universal and adaptable to cable bundles of various diameters and configurations. Instead of maintaining inventory of multiple pre-formed hoses with different diameters, the flexible tape can be wrapped around any cable bundle size, providing a single versatile solution that eliminates the need for extensive warehousing of specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for parameter changes in the protective covering by adjusting the number of tape wraps, overlap width, and wrap tension to accommodate different cable bundle diameters. This flexibility enables a single tape product to serve multiple diameter requirements, replacing the need for multiple fixed-diameter hoses in inventory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If adhesive tapes are used to wrap cable bundles, then ease of application is improved, but the outer lines of the cable bundle are glued together reducing flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicationVSAvoidcable bundle flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive is applied locally at the edges of the tape rather than across the entire surface. This localized adhesive application secures the tape to itself at the overlap edges, providing sufficient holding power without adhesive contact between the cable lines, thereby preserving cable bundle flexibility while maintaining ease of application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3490088B1Roll part for coating of wires and method of producing the same
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 NEXANS SA
  • EP3490088B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3490088B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3490088B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A band-shaped winding element (10) for wrapping conductors (1) or conductor bundles is characterized in that the winding element (10) is profiled perpendicular to a plane defined by a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction of the winding element (10). At least on the longitudinal sides of the winding element, structures (12, 14) are shaped such that a first structure (12) located on a first longitudinal side can be positively and/or force-fit connected to a second structure (14) located on a second longitudinal side. The winding element (10) can be wound up in the longitudinal direction.