Adaptive Ratcheting Retainer for Variable-Diameter Wire Bundles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening techniques for automotive components are limited in adjustability, leading to increased complexity and waste, as they often require multiple clip designs and additional steps for assembly, and existing solutions either sag or require heavy, expensive metal components.
Innovation Solution
A ratcheting retainer system that includes a ratchet strap assembly, a fastener, and a retainer clip, allowing for adjustable retention of objects of varying diameters without additional components, fabricated from lightweight materials like plastics using additive manufacturing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clip designs are fabricated to address different diameters, then objects of various diameters can be retained, but plant complexity and part numbers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed as a universal component that can retain objects of various diameters through a single adjustable mechanism. The expandable body allows the retainer to adapt to different sizes without requiring multiple specialized clips, thereby reducing plant complexity and part numbers while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer incorporates an expandable body that can dynamically adjust its internal diameter to accommodate different object sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for multiple static clip designs, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If straps and zip ties are used to accommodate objects of varying diameters, then adjustability is achieved, but tooling is required and trimming steps are added
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to be self-installing without requiring external tools or trimming operations. The expandable body mechanism allows the retainer to automatically adjust and secure objects of varying diameters through simple insertion, eliminating the need for tooling and trimming steps while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the problematic elements (tooling requirements and trimming steps) from the assembly process by designing a retainer that achieves adjustability through its expandable structure rather than through material removal or tool-assisted mechanisms.
3Strength
If metal products are used for fastening, then strength and reliability are improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is constructed from composite or engineered materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the retainer to achieve metal-level strength and reliability while maintaining the lightweight advantage of non-metallic materials, resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters by using advanced polymers or composite materials with enhanced mechanical properties. This enables the retainer to achieve sufficient strength for reliable fastening while keeping weight low, eliminating the need to choose between metal strength and lightweight construction.
4Weight of moving object
If existing plastic solutions are used, then weight is reduced, but drooping or sagging occurs when attaching larger objects
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer incorporates a dynamic expandable body that can adjust its structural configuration based on the load and object size. This allows the lightweight plastic retainer to maintain its weight advantage while achieving sufficient retention capability for larger objects through structural adaptation rather than material weight increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of composite or engineered plastic materials provides enhanced strength and stiffness to lightweight retainer construction, preventing drooping or sagging when attaching larger objects while maintaining the weight reduction benefits of plastic materials.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a ratcheting retainer for securing one or more objects, such as wire bundles, to a component. The ratcheting retainer includes a ratchet strap assembly, a fastener, and retainer clip. The ratchet strap assembly, which can adjust in diameter, circumscribes and secures a first object. The fastener is coupled to the ratchet strap assembly and secures the ratcheting retainer to the component. The retainer clip is coupled to the ratchet strap assembly and secures a second object to the ratchet strap assembly.