Sliding Door Cable Reel Using the Drive Belt for Kink-Free Winding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable routing systems for sliding door systems, particularly double-leaf motor-driven systems, face challenges in efficiently winding and unwinding ribbon cables without kinks or tension, and require complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A dual-function drive belt that not only operates the sliding door leaves but also serves as an unwinding mechanism for the ribbon cable, utilizing a winding roll with an outer and inner core to manage cable unwinding synchronously, eliminating the need for an active rotary drive and utilizing a spring force accumulator for winding, ensuring smooth and tension-free unwinding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cable winding mechanism with multiple rollers is used to wind the cable onto an inner winding core, then the cable can be wound up, but the mechanism becomes complex and is not suitable for motor-driven double-leaf sliding doors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable winding capabilityVSAvoidwinding mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cable winding function with the drive belt mechanism. The drive belt that already exists for operating the sliding door leaves is made to serve dual purposes: driving the door leaves and winding/unwinding the ribbon cable. This merging eliminates the need for a separate complex winding mechanism with multiple rollers while maintaining reliable cable management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive belt is given multiple functions: it serves as both the actuator for the sliding door leaves and as the winding mechanism for the ribbon cable. By making the drive belt universal, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated winding components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining cable winding capability.

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

2Ease of operation

If an active rotary drive is used to unwind the cable, then the cable can be unwound, but the mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable unwinding controlVSAvoidrotary drive complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the existing drive belt motion to automatically wind and unwind the cable without requiring a separate active rotary drive. When the drive belt moves to open or close the door leaves, it automatically performs the cable winding/unwinding action as a byproduct of its primary function, eliminating the need for additional active rotary mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the cable is loosely routed over guide blocks to prevent trapping, then the cable can move freely, but this solution is unsuitable for double-leaf sliding door systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable routing flexibilityVSAvoidsuitability for double-leaf systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cable routing function with the drive belt mechanism. Instead of loosely routing the cable over guide blocks, the cable is integrated into the drive belt system, where it is wound and unwound in a controlled manner that is specifically adapted for double-leaf sliding door configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If a separate cable winding mechanism is used, then the cable can be managed, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable managementVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines cable management functionality with the existing drive belt mechanism, eliminating the need for separate winding components. This integration significantly simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable cable management throughout the operation of the sliding door system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a simplified, maintenance-friendly cable routing mechanism that ensures smooth, kink-free unwinding and winding of the ribbon cable, suitable for both motor-driven and manually operated sliding doors, with improved assembly and operation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a spring force accumulator for winding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force accumulation: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4324705A1Reel for winding and unwinding an electrical energy and / or signal transmitting cable in a sliding door system
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 LANDERT GRP AG
  • EP4324705A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4324705A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4324705A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Winding roller (8) for winding and unwinding an electrical energy and signal transmitting cable (2) of a sliding door system, wherein the flat ribbon cable (2) electrically connects a stationary control device with at least one movably mounted sliding door leaf (3, 4), wherein an electric motor is assigned to the sliding door system, which drives a drive belt (5) driven in the opening and closing direction for the sliding drive of the sliding door leaves (3, 4), and that the drive belt (5) is designed as a winding drive for the flat ribbon cable (2).