Segmented Cable Carrier for Additive Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable support systems in additive manufacturing systems lack sufficient rigidity to prevent cable movement and entanglement while allowing for the necessary movement of optics units, leading to potential damage and complexity in system design.
Innovation Solution
A cable carrier assembly that permits free movement within a plane while resisting movement out of the plane, with couplings allowing rotation of ends to accommodate movement in at least two orthogonal directions, ensuring robust cable support and component mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are bundled in a confined fashion to prevent damage and entanglement, then cable protection is improved, but the rigidity of the cable support system increases which may hinder movement of the optics unit
Solution Approach 1:
The cable carrier is divided into multiple rigid links connected by hinges, creating a segmented structure that can flexibly adapt to movement while maintaining cable protection. Each link segment provides structural support, while the hinges between segments allow the overall carrier to bend and accommodate optics unit movement in at least two directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable carrier transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure with hinges that enable movement. This dynamic design allows the carrier to adapt its shape and position according to the movement of the optics unit, maintaining cable protection while avoiding excessive rigidity that would hinder system mobility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cable carrier is made more rigid to resist cable movement, then cable stability is improved, but the ability of components to move in multiple directions is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cable carrier into rigid links connected by hinges, the structure achieves localized stability within each link while providing overall flexibility through the articulated connection. This segmentation allows the carrier to maintain cable stability during movement without restricting the mobility of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated cable carrier acts as a flexible structural element that can bend and adapt its configuration. The hinge connections create a flexible mechanism that maintains cable organization and stability while accommodating movement in multiple directions, effectively combining structural support with adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If pre-existing cable support methods are used, then implementation is simplified, but sufficient rigidity to resist cable movement in certain directions is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented articulated design provides inherent rigidity in specific directions through the rigid links, while the overall structure remains manageable and implementable. Each link segment can be manufactured independently and assembled through hinge connections, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the required directional rigidity for cable support.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for supporting a plurality of cables of an additive manufacturing system. A cable carrier having first and second ends may be configured to support the plurality of cables within a channel of the cable carrier. The cable carrier may be pivotably supported via a first and second coupling engageable with the first and second ends, respectively. The first and second couplings may be attached to first and second components of an additive manufacturing system, respectively. The couplings may be configured to permit rotation of the first and second ends of the cable carrier in response to movement of the second end and/or the second component in a direction transverse to a plane in which the cable carrier lies.