Segmented Line Guide with Central Neutral Axis for Cable Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line routing solutions for the automotive industry, such as those described in EP1761982B1, are limited by being produced in one piece through casting, overmolding, or foaming, which restricts on-site assembly and repair, and often position the neutral axis radially, leading to undesired stresses on cables during movement.
Innovation Solution
A line routing system with flexible connections comprising two strands and cross-connectors, where the cross-connectors are designed to position the neutral axis centrally within the receiving space, allowing for efficient production methods like injection molding and enabling flexible assembly and repair options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the line routing is produced in one piece by casting, overmolding, or foaming, then the production is simplified and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the neutral axis is positioned radially on the outside or inside leading to undesired stresses on cables during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The line routing is divided into multiple individual links or segments that can be produced separately and then assembled together. This segmentation allows the neutral axis to be positioned centrally within each segment, reducing cable stress during movement, while maintaining production efficiency through standardized modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from radial positioning of the neutral axis (single dimension) to central positioning in the cross-sectional plane (two-dimensional optimization). By repositioning the neutral axis centrally rather than radially, the design reduces bending stresses on cables while maintaining the one-piece production advantage.
2Ease of manufacture
If the line routing is produced in one piece by casting, overmolding, or foaming, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but on-site assembly and repair options are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The line routing system is segmented into individual links that can be assembled on-site and reconfigured as needed. This modular approach enables both cost-effective production through standardized components and flexibility for on-site assembly, installation, and repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The line routing incorporates movable and adjustable segments that can be dynamically reconfigured during installation and maintenance. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to different routing requirements while maintaining economical production through standardized modular components.
3Device complexity
If the neutral axis is positioned radially on the outside or inside, then the structure is simplified, but undesired stresses occur on cables during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the neutral axis position from a single radial dimension to a central two-dimensional position in the cross-section. This dimensional repositioning reduces cable stress during bending and movement while maintaining relatively simple structural design through standardized segment geometry.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2A
Figure 1B~3A
Figure 3B~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a line guide (100; 200; 300) for protecting at least one line, such as a cable, a hose, or the like for example, for supplying a motor vehicle seat for example. A longitudinal portion with multiple segments (110, 112; 210; 310) of the line guide is produced as a single piece, and each of the multiple segments has a closable holder (123; 223; 323) for the at least one line. Thus, the line can be positioned in a receiving area (130; 230; 330) when the holder is open and is held transversely to the longitudinal direction (L) in the closed position of the holder. The segments are connected together in the longitudinal direction so as to form an elbow (106; 206) by means of a flexible connection. The invention is characterized in that the connection between the segments comprises a first flexible section (120; 220; 320) and a second flexible section (120; 220; 320), and at least one transverse connector (122; 222; 322) is provided which is produced integrally with the sections and which runs about the longitudinal direction (L) in an arc- or bracket-like manner in the closed position of the holder so that the two sections (120; 220; 320) lie laterally relative to the receiving area and specify a neutral axis which crosses the receiving area (130; 230; 330).