Helical cable assembly tooling and method

Abstract

Aspects of the technology relate to rotational electromechanical systems, in which data and or power are supplied to components while one part of the system is rotating relative to another part of the system. Repeated rotation may create strain on or otherwise cause the cables to intermittently or permanently fail. A helical cable management system is provided that enables full rotation to the extent permitted. One or more cables are wound in a helical shape around the axis of rotation, which distributes the deformation of the cable along the helical length. Rotation in one direction causes the helix diameter to increase, while rotation in the other direction causes the helix diameter to decrease. A structure is used to maintain the distance between helical turns, while permitting the increase and decrease of the helix diameter. This reduces the overall strain on the cables, which can significantly extend their useful lifetime.

1 . A tool for configuring a rotatable cable management system, the tool comprising:
 a first helix ear member configured for removable attachment to a first area of an exterior surface of a coupling member, the first helix ear member having a plurality of slots disposed therealong, at least a portion of each slot being enlarged to receive a connectorized cable;   a second helix ear member configured for removable attachment to a second area of the exterior surface of the coupling member, the second helix ear member having a plurality of slots disposed therealong, at least a portion of each slot being enlarged to receive the connectorized cable;   a first set of fastener or retaining members received by the first helix ear member, the first set of fastener or retaining members being configured to removably attach the first helix ear member to the first area of the coupling member; and   a second set of fastener or retaining members received by the second helix ear member, the second set of fastener or retaining members being configured to removably attach the second helix ear member to the second area of the coupling member;   wherein, upon affixation to the coupling member, the second helix ear member is arranged along the second area opposite to the first helix ear member arranged along the first area, and   wherein the enlarged portions of the slots of the first and second helix ear members are configured to receive a connector end of the connectorized cable so that the connectorized cable can be wound in a helical arrangement around the exterior surface of the coupling member.