Adjustable Cable Clamp Assembly for Varying Cable Diameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable clamping devices are not adaptable to varying cable diameters, leading to gaps between parts when the cable diameter exceeds the passage size, causing potential breakage and difficulty in tightening, requiring a specific device for each cable type.

Innovation Solution

A cable clamping device with a first and second part featuring inclined contact surfaces and oblong openings, allowing assembly in multiple positions to accommodate different cable diameters, with fixation members like screws and optional support metal sheets for secure assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size passage is used in the clamping device, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate cables with different diameters, requiring multiple devices for different cable types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different cable diametersVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The passage is designed with movable walls that can slide relative to each other, transforming the fixed passage into a dynamic, adjustable passage. This allows the passage dimensions to change according to the cable diameter being clamped, enabling a single device to accommodate multiple cable sizes without increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The passage dimensions are made variable through the sliding wall mechanism, allowing the physical parameters (width, height) of the passage to be changed to match different cable diameters. This parameter adaptability eliminates the need for multiple fixed-size devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the cable diameter is larger than the passage size, then a gap appears between the clamping parts, but this causes difficulty in tightening and potential breakage during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of tighteningVSAvoidrisk of part breakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding wall mechanism dynamically adjusts the passage size to match the cable diameter, eliminating gaps between clamping parts. This ensures proper contact and distribution of tightening forces, making assembly easier and preventing part breakage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The passage is pre-adjusted to the appropriate size before the cable is inserted and before tightening begins. This preliminary sizing action prevents gaps from forming during the tightening process, eliminating the risk of breakage and easing the operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4475365A1A cable clamping device for clamping cables, for instance for electrical cables of an electrical motor, in particular in a railway vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.12.11 ALSTOM HOLDINGS SA
  • EP4475365A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4475365A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4475365A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The cable clamping device (10) comprises first (14) and a second (16) parts comprising first openings (26) and second openings (28) respectively, and fixation members (30) passing through the openings. The parts (14, 16) delimit together passages for cables (12), the passages extending along an axis (X). The parts (14, 16) comprise complementary inclined contact surface (22, 24), inclined with respect to the axis (X). At least one of the first (26) and second (28) openings is oblong, so that the first (14) and second (16) parts can be assembled in several different positions while the first (22) and second (24) inclined contact surfaces are on contact with each other.