Articulated Wire Guide Lid Layout for Curved Cable Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wire guide devices are prone to impaired cable guide function due to elastic reaction forces causing lids to dislodge when cables are elastically curved, leading to cable protrusion from the guide.
Innovation Solution
A wire guide device with a series of rotatable link members, each comprising a link body and a lid, where the lids are locked to the link bodies and positioned on the inner side of curved portions to prevent reaction force-induced dislodging, and the link bodies are coupled with a base portion and locking mechanisms to maintain secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wire guide body is deformed and curved to accommodate cable routing, then the adaptability to different cable paths is improved, but the lids may dislodge due to elastic reaction forces from the curved cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the placement of lids and openings based on their position relative to the curved portion. Specifically, lids are placed only on link members located on the inner side of the curved portion, while link members on the outer side have openings without lids. This localized differentiation allows the guide body to adapt to cable routing while preventing lid dislodgement in critical areas where elastic reaction forces are generated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by strategically placing lids not on all link members, but only on those located on the inner side of the curved portion. This inversion of the typical uniform coverage approach allows the structure to leverage the natural positioning of inner-side link members, which are less susceptible to elastic reaction forces, thereby maintaining lid attachment reliability while preserving adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If the first arms are arranged on the outer side of the curved portion to allow cable access, then the ease of operation for cable accommodation is improved, but the arms may be displaced by reaction forces causing cables to protrude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different structural configurations for link members on opposite sides of the curved portion. Link members on the inner side have lids closed on their openings, while link members on the outer side have openings without lids. This localized differentiation ensures that cable access is maintained on the outer side while preventing displacement issues in areas where elastic reaction forces act most strongly.
3Strength
If the link members are made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the strength of the guide body is improved, but the ability to deform and curve for cable routing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wire guide body into multiple discrete link members that are coupled together. Each link member can rotate relative to adjacent link members, allowing the overall structure to deform and curve while maintaining the structural integrity of individual rigid link members. This segmentation enables both strength and adaptability to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing rotational joints between link members, transforming the structure from a static rigid body to a dynamic articulated mechanism. This allows the wire guide body to adapt its shape through relative rotation of link members while each individual link member maintains its rigid structural integrity, thereby achieving both strength and deformation capability.
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 ensures reliable cable guidance by preventing lids from dislodging during curvature, maintaining the guide function even under deformation and reducing the risk of cable protrusion.
Implementation Method 1
a wire guide body that is formed by coupling a plurality of link members in series, the link members being capable of rotating relative to each other
Implementation Method 2
the cables accommodated in the accommodation spaces are pressed by the links from the outer side of the curved portion and are thus elastically curved, and therefore, an elastic reaction force is applied to portions of the links that are located on the outer side of the curved portion
Implementation Method 3
the lid is locked to the link body and thereby closes the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A wire guide device A includes a wire guide body 15 that is formed by coupling a plurality of link members 17 in series such that the link members 17 can rotate relative to each other, and inside which an accommodation space 16 for a wire W is formed. The link member 17 includes a link body 20 and a lid 31. The link body 20 is provided with an opening 29 through which the accommodation space 16 is open toward the outside of the wire guide body 15. The lid 31 is locked to the link body 20 and thereby closes the opening 29. The openings 29 and the lids 31 are arranged on surfaces of the link members 17 that are located on an inner side of a curved portion of the wire guide body 15 when the wire guide body 15 is curved.