Clamping system, method for clamping system and system for managing direction or position of cable
By designing a clamping system that includes a base and a cantilever, with the cantilever interlocking with the edge of the panel and the cable retainer fixing the cable, the problem of inefficient fixing of electrical wiring in the aircraft cabin is solved, achieving simplified installation and stable connection.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE BOEING CO
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-22
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, fixing electrical wiring in aircraft cabins is not efficient, effective, or simple, especially in space-constrained situations where it is not ergonomic.
A clamping system is provided, including a base and two cantilever arms extending from the base, the cantilever arms interlocking with the edge of a panel, a cable retainer extending from the cantilever arms to secure the cable, and a stable connection achieved through finger-like portions and a window.
It enables efficient cable fixing and management, ensures that cables are separated from the panel to prevent damage, simplifies the installation process, and is ergonomic.
Smart Images

Figure CN122073368A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Examples of this disclosure generally relate to a clamping system configured to be secured to one or more panels and to hold a portion of a cable (such as a wire). Background Technology
[0002] Vehicles such as commercial aircraft include numerous mechanical components, electronic systems, and more. As an example, commercial aircraft include interior compartments with electrical wiring behind wall panels. For various reasons, electrical wiring is typically secured to certain parts of the wall panels. It is worth noting that allowing wiring to come into uncontrolled contact with the structure can have adverse effects on the wiring. Furthermore, certain regulations, such as those issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), require electrical wiring to be kept at a certain distance from certain structures, such as the edges of composite panels.
[0003] Typical interior trim panels for aircraft cabins feature potted inserts for electrical support rings or other fastener-based components with threaded attachments. This area can be located between a reinforcing backplate and the fuselage. The reinforcing backplate has potted inserts and additional cable attachment locations to support wiring.
[0004] However, after installing a reinforced backplate (such as during maintenance or retrofitting), utilizing the existing configuration may not be ergonomic, especially given space constraints. Summary of the Invention
[0005] There is a need for an efficient, effective, and simple system and method for securing cables (such as wires) to panels.
[0006] In view of this need, certain examples of this disclosure provide a clamping system including a base and two cantilever arms extending from the base. For example, the clamping system includes a base, a first cantilever arm extending from the base, and a second cantilever arm extending from the base. The base, the first cantilever arm, and the second cantilever arm are configured to cooperate with each other to secure to an edge portion of a panel. A cable retainer extends outward from one of the base, the first cantilever arm, and the second cantilever arm. The cable retainer is configured to retain a portion of a cable. The cable retainer may be configured to receive and retain one or more of fasteners, cable ties, adhesives, etc., configured to retain a portion of the cable. Optionally, the cable retainer may directly retain a portion of the cable.
[0007] In at least one example, the cable retainer extends outward from the base. In at least one other example, the cable retainer extends outward from one of the first cantilever and the second cantilever.
[0008] In at least one example, the cable retainer includes a tube defining a central channel. The inner surface of the tube defining the central channel may be threaded. In at least one example, the cable retainer is configured to directly retain a portion of the cable within the central channel. In at least one other example, the cable retainer is configured to retain a portion of a fastener configured to secure a cable clamp to the cable retainer. In this example, the cable clamp is configured to retain a portion of the cable.
[0009] In at least one example, the first cantilever and the second cantilever include fingers configured to interlock with corresponding fingers on the edge portion of the panel.
[0010] In at least one example, the first cantilever and the second cantilever, or both, include one or more windows.
[0011] The edge portion of the panel may include an edge trim that covers the edge of the panel.
[0012] Some examples of this disclosure provide a method comprising: securing a clamping system to an edge portion of a panel; and securing a portion of a cable to a cable retainer.
[0013] Some examples of this disclosure provide a system for managing the orientation or position of a cable, the system comprising: a panel including an edge portion; a cable; and a clamping system secured to the panel as described herein. Attached Figure Description
[0014] Figure 1 An isometric end view of a clamping system according to an example of this disclosure is shown.
[0015] Figure 2 A side view of the clamping system is shown.
[0016] Figure 3 An isometric top view of the clamping system is shown.
[0017] Figure 4 It shows crossing Figure 3 The isometric partial cross-sectional view of the clamping system taken from line 4-4.
[0018] Figure 5 It shows crossing Figure 3 The end view of the clamping system is a partial cross-sectional view taken from line 4-4.
[0019] Figure 6 An isometric top view of a clamping system fixed to a panel according to an example of this disclosure is shown.
[0020] Figure 7 An isometric bottom view of a clamping system fixed to a portion of a panel is shown.
[0021] Figure 8 A top view of a clamping system according to an example of this disclosure is shown.
[0022] Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 End view of the clamping system.
[0023] Figure 10 An example of a fixed portion of a cable according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 8 End view of the clamping system.
[0024] Figure 11 A three-dimensional front view of an aircraft according to an example of this disclosure is shown.
[0025] Figure 12 A flowchart of an example method according to this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, elements or steps stated in the singular and preceded by the words "a" or "an" should be understood to not necessarily exclude the plural form of the same element or step. Furthermore, the reference to "an embodiment" is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated otherwise, embodiments that "comprise" or "include" one or more elements having a specific condition may include additional elements that do not have that condition.
[0027] Figure 1 An isometric end view of a clamping system 100 according to an example of the present disclosure is shown. The clamping system 100 includes a base 102, such as a flat wall. A first cantilever 104 extends from a first end 105 of the base 102. A second cantilever 106 extends from a second end 107 of the base 102. The first end 105 is opposite to the second end 107. The first cantilever 104 is spaced apart from the second cantilever 106 by the base 102. A passage 108 is defined between the base 102, the first cantilever 104, and the second cantilever 106. The passage 108 extends along the entire length of the clamping system 100 and through the entire length of the clamping system.
[0028] The clamping system 100 also includes a cable retainer 110. In at least one example, the cable retainer 110 extends outward from the outer surface 112 of the base 102. Optionally, the cable retainer 110 may extend outward from the outer surface 114 of the first cantilever 104 or the outer surface 115 of the second cantilever 106. In at least one example, the clamping system 100 may include a cable retainer 110 extending outward from one or both of the first cantilever 104 and / or the second cantilever 106 and the base 102.
[0029] In at least one example, the cable retainer 110 includes a tube 116 having a central channel 118 formed therethrough. In at least one example, the central channel 118 extends along and through the entire length of the tube 116. The central channel 118 may have a circular cross-section. The central channel 118 may have the same diameter along the entire length of the tube 116. Alternatively, the diameter of the central channel 118 may vary at portions of the length of the tube 116. For example, the central channel 118 may be tapered, having a larger diameter at one end. The inner surface 119 of the tube 116 defining the central channel 118 may be smooth. As another example, the inner surface 119 of the tube 116 may be threaded and configured to engage with the threaded shaft of a fastener, such as a bolt or screw.
[0030] The cable retainer 110 is configured to retain a portion of a cable (such as an electric wire) and to attach that portion of the cable to the panel of the fixing clamping system 100. Figure 1 (Not shown) are separated by a predetermined distance. As an example, a portion of the cable can pass directly through and reside within the cable retainer 110. That is, a portion of the cable can be directly retained within the central channel 118 of the tube 116. The cable retainer 110, tube 116, and central channel 118 can be trimmed along a flat or curved surface to open the central channel 118, thereby making it easier to install the cable 220 in the cable retainer 110. In at least one example, when the cable retainer 110 is cut along a flat surface to open the central channel 118 (such as a semi-passage with a recess), windows can then be made below each side of the cable retainer 110 and tube 116, allowing the cable 220 to be secured within the central channel 118 using zip ties, cable ties, or other cable restraints that secure the cable 220 to the currently open central channel 118. As another example, the tube 116 can be held with fasteners, such as bolts. The fastener can be attached to another component (such as a clip) that securely holds a portion of the cable. As another example, zip ties, straps, ropes, etc., can pass through the central channel 118 of the tube 116 and secure a portion of the cable to the clamping system 100.
[0031] As shown, the first cantilever 104 includes a wall 120 extending downward from the base 102. The wall 120 may be perpendicular to the base 102. The wall 120 is connected to an inwardly sloping distal end 122. The inwardly sloping distal end 122 slopes inward toward the passage 108. The inwardly sloping distal end 122 terminates at a distal edge 124. An inner ramp surface 126 extends from the distal edge 124 toward the base 102. The inner ramp surface 126 is further connected to an upright inner wall 128, which is connected to a flat protrusion 130. The upright inner wall 128 may be parallel to the wall 120 and perpendicular to the base 102. The flat protrusion 130 may be perpendicular to the upright inner wall 128 and parallel to the base 102.
[0032] Similarly, the second cantilever 106 includes a wall 132 extending downward from the base 102. The wall 132 may be perpendicular to the base 102. The wall 132 connects to an inwardly sloping distal end 134. The inwardly sloping distal end 134 slopes inward toward the passage 108. The inwardly sloping distal end 134 terminates at a distal edge 136. An inner ramp surface 138 extends from the distal edge 136 toward the base 102. The inner ramp surface 138 further connects to an upright inner wall 140, which connects to a flat protrusion 142. The upright inner wall 140 may be parallel to the wall 132 and perpendicular to the base 102. The flat protrusion 142 may be perpendicular to the upright inner wall 140 and parallel to the base 102.
[0033] In at least one example, finger 146 extends upward from flat protrusion 142 and connects to inner surface 144 of wall 132. Finger 146 also extends upward from flat protrusion 130 and connects to inner surface 147 of wall 120. Finger 146 includes a root 148 extending from flat protrusion 142 and a beveled tip 150 connecting to inner surface 144. Adjacent fingers 146 are spaced apart from each other by a gap 152. Gap 152 is configured to receive and hold corresponding fingers of panel portions. In this way, fingers 146 cooperate with corresponding fingers to provide an interlocking connection, thereby providing a secure connection between clamping system 100 and panel. Alternatively, clamping system 100 may not include fingers 146.
[0034] Figure 2 A side view of the clamping system 100 is shown. Figure 3 An isometric top view of the clamping system 100 is shown. Figure 4 It shows crossing Figure 3 An equidistant partial cross-sectional view of the clamping system 100, taken from line 4-4. Figure 5 It shows crossing Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of the clamping system 100 taken from line 4-4. (Reference) Figures 1 to 5The clamping system 100 includes a window 160 formed through the second cantilever 106. The first cantilever 104 may not include the window 160. In at least one other example, the first cantilever 104 includes the window 160, while the second cantilever 106 does not. As another example, both the first cantilever 104 and the second cantilever 106 include one or more windows 160.
[0035] The second cantilever 106 may include three windows 160. Optionally, more or fewer windows 160 may be used. For example, the clamping system 100 may include a single window, two windows, four or more windows. The windows 160 are longitudinally aligned and formed through an inwardly angled distal end 134. The windows 160 allow a person to view the passageway 108 through the clamping system 100. In this way, the windows 160 allow a person to inspect the connection between the clamping system 100 and the panel to ensure proper installation. In addition, the windows 160 provide a passage for applying adhesive between the clamping system 100 and the panel to provide additional fixation. As another example, the windows 160 may provide through holes for additional fasteners such as pins, nails, etc. Alternatively, the clamping system 100 may not include any windows.
[0036] In at least one example, the clamping system 100 is formed of an elastic material, such as flexible plastic, elastic material, etc. Therefore, the first cantilever 104 and the second cantilever 106 are configured to be offset from and towards each other to securely attach the clamping system 100 to the edge of the panel.
[0037] Figure 6 An isometric top view of a clamping system 100 attached to a panel 200 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. System 101 includes a clamping system 100 attached to the panel 200. The clamping system 100 is attached to an edge portion 201 of the panel 200. The panel 200 may include an edge trim 202 covering an edge 204 of the panel 200. The clamping system 100 is attached to the edge trim 202. As another example, the clamping system 100 is directly attached to the edge 204 of the panel 200.
[0038] refer to Figures 1 to 6To secure the clamping system 100 to the panel 200, the first cantilever 104 and the second cantilever 106 are straddled on the edge trim 202, and then the clamping system 100 is pressed in the direction of arrow A, causing the first cantilever 104 and the second cantilever 106 to shift away from each other until the edge 206 of the edge trim 202 slides on the inner ramp surfaces 126 and 138 and engages with the flat protrusions 130 and 142. At this point, the first cantilever 104 and the second cantilever 106 shift back towards each other, thereby securing the clamping system 100 to the panel 200. Since the cable retainer 110 is spaced apart from the edge trim 202 and edge 204 of the panel 200, the cable retainer 110 automatically ensures that the portion of the cable held by the cable retainer 110 is spaced apart from the edges 204 and edge 206 of the panel 200, thereby preventing the panel 200 from causing any damage to the cable.
[0039] As mentioned, window 160 allows inspection of the connection between clamping system 100 and panel 200. Furthermore, window 160 also allows the insertion of additional fasteners (such as adhesives), nails, pins, etc.
[0040] Figure 7 An isometric bottom view of a clamping system 100 fixed to a portion of a panel is shown. (Reference) Figures 1 to 7 The edge trim 202 may include corresponding fingers 210 spaced apart from each other by a gap 212. The corresponding fingers 210 may interlock with fingers 146 of the first cantilever 104 and the second cantilever 106 to provide additional clamping and holding forces between the clamping system 100 and the panel 200. The interlocking connection prevents the clamping system 100 from sliding or moving axially relative to the panel. As shown, a portion of the cable 220 may pass directly through the cable retainer 110. For example, a portion of the cable 220 may be directly secured within the tube 116. As another example, a rope, zipper tie, etc., may pass directly through the cable retainer 110 and be used to secure the cable 220 to the cable retainer 110. Optionally, the cable retainer 110 may hold a portion of a fastener used to retain a portion of the cable 220.
[0041] In at least one example, one or more windows 161 may be formed through the tube 116. The windows 161 allow the cable 220 to be confined within the central channel 118 using cable ties (such as zip ties). Alternatively, the tube 116 may not include windows.
[0042] Figure 8 A top view of a clamping system 100 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 An end view of the clamping system 100. (Reference) Figure 8 and Figure 9In at least one example, the cable holding portion 110 extends outward from the first cantilever 104 (or alternatively, from the second cantilever 106).
[0043] Figure 10 An example of a fixed portion of a cable according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 8 An end view of the clamping system 100. As shown, the cable retainer 110 can receive and retain a portion of a fastener 232 (such as a bolt), the fastener having a head 234 extending relative to a first end 111 of the cable retainer 110. The fastener 232 secures a cable clamp 240 to the cable retainer 110. The cable clamp 240 securely clamps a portion of the cable 230. A nut 242 is secured to the fastener 232 at another second end 113 of the cable retainer 110. Optionally, a central channel 118 is defined ( Figure 8 The inner surface of the cable retainer 110 (as shown in the diagram) may be threaded and configured to engage with the threaded shaft of the fastener 232, thereby allowing the fastener to be secured to the cable retainer 110 without the need for a nut.
[0044] refer to Figures 1 to 10 Examples of this disclosure provide a clamping system 100 with symmetrical cantilever arms (i.e., first cantilever 104 and second cantilever 106) configured to be offset from each other and snap-fitted to the edge of a panel 200, such as an edge trim 202 of a composite panel. The clamping system 100 includes a cable retainer 110 configured to retain a portion of a cable at a predetermined distance away from the edge of the panel 200 (directly or via fasteners, clips, etc.). The cable retainer 110 is easily visible and accessible to personnel because it extends outward from a portion of the clamping system 100 (e.g., from the base 102, the first cantilever 104, or the second cantilever 106). As an example, the clamping system 100 can be used in conjunction with an additional clamping system 100 to route the tail wire of a lighting device within the cavity of a passenger service unit (PSU). In at least one example, the first cantilever 104 and the second cantilever 106 are configured to fit the edge of the access opening and engage with a retaining feature mounted on the panel.
[0045] As described herein, the clamping system 100 includes a base 102, a first cantilever 104 extending from the base 102, and a second cantilever 106 extending from the base 102. The base 102, the first cantilever 104, and the second cantilever 106 are configured to engage with each other to secure to an edge portion of the panel 200. A cable retainer 110 extends outward from one of the base 102, the first cantilever 104, and the second cantilever 106. The cable retainer 110 is configured to retain a portion of the cable 220.
[0046] In at least one example, the cable retaining portion 110 extends outward from the base 102. As another example, the cable retaining portion 110 extends outward from either the first cantilever 104 or the second cantilever 106.
[0047] In at least one example, the cable retainer 110 is configured to directly retain a portion of the cable 220 within the central channel 118 of the tube 116. As another example, the cable retainer 110 is configured to retain a portion of a fastener 232 configured to secure a cable clamp 240 to the cable retainer 110. In this example, the cable clamp 240 is configured to retain a portion of the cable 220 (or 230). As yet another example, the cable retainer 110 may be bisected along a plane or surface such that the central channel 118 of the tube becomes an open channel capable of retaining a portion of the cable 220, thereby allowing the cable retainer 110 to easily and directly retain the cable 220.
[0048] Figure 11 A perspective front view of an aircraft 300 according to an example of this disclosure is shown. The aircraft 300 includes a propulsion system 312, which includes, for example, engines 314. Optionally, the propulsion system 312 may include more engines 314 than shown. The engines 314 are carried by wings 316 of the aircraft 300. In other examples, the engines 314 may be carried by a fuselage 318 and / or a tail 320. The tail 320 may also support a horizontal stabilizer 322 and a vertical stabilizer 324.
[0049] The fuselage 318 of aircraft 300 defines internal compartment 330, which includes a cockpit or flight cabin, one or more work areas (e.g., galley, carry-on baggage area, etc.), one or more passenger areas (e.g., first class area, business class area, and economy class area), one or more lavatories, etc. (Reference) Figures 1 to 11 The clamping system 100 described herein can be secured to one or more panels within the aircraft 300 and is used to hold and lay a portion of the cable.
[0050] Alternatively, in addition to aircraft, the clamping system 100 described herein can also be used with a variety of other means of transportation, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and train carriages, ships, spacecraft, etc. Furthermore, the clamping system 100 can be used to fix structures, such as residential or commercial buildings. Moreover, the clamping system 100 can be used with a wide variety of different systems, appliances, components, etc.
[0051] Figure 12 A flowchart illustrating an example method according to this disclosure is provided. (Reference) Figures 1 to 12At step 400, the clamping system 100 is secured to the panel 200. As described, the first cantilever 104 and the second cantilever 106 are secured to the edge portion of the panel 200. At step 402, a portion of the cable 220 is secured to the cable holding portion 110 of the clamping system 100. The portion of the cable 220 can be directly secured within the cable holding portion 110, or a cable clamp can be used to secure the cable to the cable holding portion 110. A cable clamp can be used to secure a portion of the cable to the cable holding portion 110.
[0052] Furthermore, this disclosure includes examples pursuant to the following provisions:
[0053] Clause 1. A clamping system comprising:
[0054] Base;
[0055] A first cantilever, which extends from the base;
[0056] A second cantilever, extending from the base, wherein the base, the first cantilever, and the second cantilever are configured to engage with each other to secure to an edge portion of the panel; and
[0057] A cable retainer extends outward from one of a base, a first cantilever, and a second cantilever, wherein the cable retainer is configured to retain a portion of the cable.
[0058] Clause 2. The clamping system according to Clause 1, wherein the cable retainer extends outward from the base.
[0059] Clause 3. The clamping system according to Clause 1, wherein the cable retainer extends outward from one of the first cantilever and the second cantilever.
[0060] Clause 4. A clamping system according to any one of Clauses 1-3, wherein the cable retainer includes a tube defining a central channel.
[0061] Clause 5. The clamping system according to Clause 4, wherein the inner surface of the tube portion defining the central channel is threaded.
[0062] Clause 6. A clamping system according to Clause 4 or 5, wherein the cable retainer is configured to hold a portion of the cable directly within the central channel.
[0063] Clause 7. A clamping system according to any one of Clauses 1-5, wherein a cable retainer is configured to retain a portion of a fastener configured to secure a cable clamp to the cable retainer, and wherein the cable clamp is configured to retain a portion of a cable.
[0064] Clause 8. A clamping system according to any one of Clauses 1-7, wherein the first cantilever and the second cantilever include fingers configured to interlock with corresponding fingers of the edge portion of the panel.
[0065] Clause 9. A clamping system according to any one of Clauses 1-8, wherein one or both of the first cantilever and the second cantilever include one or more windows.
[0066] Clause 10. A clamping system according to any one of Clauses 1-9, wherein the edge portion of the panel includes an edge trim that covers the edge of the panel.
[0067] Clause 11. A method for a clamping system, the clamping system comprising:
[0068] Base;
[0069] A first cantilever, which extends from the base;
[0070] A second cantilever, extending from the base, wherein the base, the first cantilever, and the second cantilever are configured to engage with each other to secure to an edge portion of the panel; and
[0071] A cable retaining portion extends outward from a base, a first cantilever, and a second cantilever, wherein the cable retaining portion is configured to retain a portion of the cable.
[0072] The method includes:
[0073] Secure the clamping system to the edge of the panel; and
[0074] Secure a portion of the cable to the cable retainer.
[0075] Clause 12. A system for managing the direction or position of a cable, the system comprising:
[0076] A panel, which includes an edge portion;
[0077] Cables; and
[0078] A clamping system fixed to a panel, wherein the clamping system includes:
[0079] Base;
[0080] A first cantilever, which extends from the base;
[0081] A second cantilever extends from the base, wherein the base, the first cantilever, and the second cantilever cooperate to secure to the edge portion of the panel; and
[0082] A cable retainer extends outward from one of the base, the first cantilever, and the second cantilever, wherein the cable retainer retains a portion of the cable.
[0083] Clause 13. In the system of Clause 12, the cable retainer extends outward from the base.
[0084] Clause 14. The system according to Clause 12, wherein the cable retainer extends outward from one of the first cantilever and the second cantilever.
[0085] Clause 15. A system according to any one of Clauses 12-14, wherein the cable retainer includes a tube defining a central channel.
[0086] Clause 16. The system according to Clause 15, wherein the cable retainer is configured to retain a portion of the cable directly within the central channel.
[0087] Clause 17. A system according to any one of Clauses 12-15, wherein a cable retainer holds a portion of a fastener that secures a cable clamp to the cable retainer, and wherein the cable clamp holds a portion of the cable.
[0088] Clause 18. A system according to any one of Clauses 12-17, wherein the first cantilever and the second cantilever include fingers that interlock with corresponding fingers of the edge portion of the panel.
[0089] Clause 19. A system pursuant to any one of Clauses 12-18, wherein one or both of the first cantilever and the second cantilever include one or more windows.
[0090] Clause 20. A system pursuant to any one of Clauses 12-19, wherein the edge portion of the panel includes an edge trim that covers the edge of the panel.
[0091] As described herein, examples of this disclosure provide efficient, effective, and simple systems and methods for securing cables (such as wires) to one or more panels.
[0092] While various spatial and directional terms (such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc.) may be used to describe embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. The orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that upper becomes lower, or vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.
[0093] As used herein, a structure, constraint, or element "configured" to perform a task or operation is specifically formed, constructed, or adapted to correspond to that task or operation. For clarity and to avoid ambiguity, an object that can only be modified to perform that task or operation is not "configured" to perform that task or operation as used herein.
[0094] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of various embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define parameters of various embodiments of this disclosure, these embodiments are by no means restrictive but exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. Therefore, the scope of various embodiments of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms “comprising” and “therein” are used as concise English equivalents of the corresponding terms “including” and “wherein”. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. In addition, the limitations of the following claims are not written in a means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 USC § 112(f). Unless, and up to such claims, the phrase “means for…” is explicitly used, followed by a functional statement without further structure.
[0095] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments of this disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of this disclosure, including making and using any apparatus or system and performing any incorporated methods. The scope of patentable rights for the various embodiments of this disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.
Claims
1. A clamping system (100), comprising: Base (102); A first cantilever (104) extends from the base (102); A second cantilever (106) extends from the base (102), wherein the base (102), the first cantilever (104), and the second cantilever (106) are configured to cooperate with each other to secure to an edge portion of the panel (200); and A cable retaining portion (110) extends outward from one of the base (102), the first cantilever (104) and the second cantilever (106), wherein the cable retaining portion (110) is configured to retain a portion of the cable (220, 230).
2. The clamping system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable retaining portion (110) extends outward from the base (102).
3. The clamping system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable holding part (110) extends outward from one of the first cantilever (104) and the second cantilever (106).
4. The clamping system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable holding part (110) includes a tube (116) that defines a central channel (118).
5. The clamping system (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The inner surfaces (119, 144, 147) of the tube (116) defining the central channel (118) are threaded.
6. The clamping system (100) according to claim 4, wherein, The cable holding part (110) is configured to hold a portion of the cable (220, 230) directly within the central channel (118).
7. The clamping system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The cable retaining portion (110) is configured to retain a portion of a fastener (232), the fastener being configured to secure a cable clamp to the cable retaining portion (110), and wherein the cable clamp is configured to retain the portion of the cable (220, 230).
8. The clamping system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first cantilever (104) and the second cantilever (106) include fingers (146) configured to interlock with corresponding fingers (146) of the edge portion of the panel (200).
9. The clamping system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, One or both of the first cantilever (104) and the second cantilever (106) include one or more windows (160).
10. The clamping system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The edge portion of the panel (200) includes an edge trim that covers the edge of the panel (200).
11. A method for a clamping system (100), the clamping system comprising: Base (102); A first cantilever (104) extends from the base (102); A second cantilever (106) extends from the base (102), wherein the base (102), the first cantilever (104), and the second cantilever (106) are configured to cooperate with each other to secure to an edge portion of the panel (200); and A cable retaining portion (110) extends outward from one of the base (102), the first cantilever (104), and the second cantilever (106), wherein the cable retaining portion (110) is configured to retain a portion of the cable (220, 230). The method includes: Secure the clamping system (100) to the edge portion of the panel (200); and The portion of the cable (220, 230) is secured to the cable retaining part (110).
12. A system for managing the direction or position of a cable, the system comprising: Panel (200), the panel including an edge portion; Cables (220, 230); as well as A clamping system (100) fixed to the panel (200), wherein the clamping system (100) includes: Base (102); A first cantilever (104) extends from the base (102); A second cantilever (106) extends from the base (102), wherein the base (102), the first cantilever (104), and the second cantilever (106) cooperate to secure to the edge portion of the panel (200); and A cable holding portion (110) extends outward from one of the base (102), the first cantilever (104) and the second cantilever (106), wherein the cable holding portion (110) holds a portion of the cable (220, 230).
13. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The cable retaining portion (110) extends outward from the base (102).
14. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The cable holding part (110) extends outward from one of the first cantilever (104) and the second cantilever (106).
15. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The cable holding part (110) includes a tube (116) that defines a central channel (118).
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, The cable holding part (110) is configured to hold a portion of the cable (220, 230) directly within the central channel (118).
17. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The cable retaining portion (110) retains a portion of the fastener (232), which secures the cable clamp (240) to the cable retaining portion (110), wherein the cable clamp (240) retains the portion of the cable (220, 230).
18. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The first cantilever (104) and the second cantilever (106) include fingers (146) that interlock with corresponding fingers (146) of the edge portion of the panel (200).
19. The system according to claim 12, wherein, One or both of the first cantilever (104) and the second cantilever (106) include one or more windows (160).
20. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The edge portion of the panel (200) includes an edge trim that covers the edge of the panel (200).