Adjustable Cable Clamp Latch for Tight Routing Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the heavy-duty trucking industry, there is a need for a smaller cable clamp that can fit within limited cable routing spaces and be easily repositioned or released without damaging the silicone jacket of cables.
Innovation Solution
A cable clamp formed from two identical cradle halves with a compression insert and an adjustment latch featuring a T-shaped head and tapered slot, allowing for secure cable holding and easy adjustment without tools, even with heavy insulated gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a smaller cable clamp design is used to fit within limited cable routing spaces, then the cable clamp can be installed in compact areas, but the cable clamp may not provide sufficient holding force for heavy-duty applications
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp is divided into two separate cradle halves that can be assembled around the cable. This segmentation allows the clamp to fit into tight spaces while maintaining sufficient holding force through the distributed contact of both halves on the cable
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle halves incorporate a composite structure with a hard outer shell for structural strength and a softer inner surface (or compression insert) to protect the cable jacket. This composite approach enables the small clamp to maintain high strength-to-size ratio while protecting the cable
2Strength
If a traditional cable clamp design is used, then the cable clamp provides sufficient holding force, but the cable clamp cannot be easily repositioned or released
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment latches incorporate a ratcheting mechanism with a toothed rack and pawl that allows the clamp to be dynamically adjusted to different positions along the cable. The ratchet teeth engage to lock the position, while the release button disengages the pawl to allow repositioning, combining secure holding with easy adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The release button mechanism allows the operator to easily disengage the ratchet pawl with a simple push action, enabling self-service repositioning without tools. The system is designed to be operated with one hand, even with heavy insulated gloves worn
3Ease of operation
If a cable clamp with adjustment mechanism is added, then the cable clamp can be easily repositioned, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment latch mechanism is integrated into the cradle half structure itself, merging the adjustment function with the structural components. The ratchet rack is formed as part of the cradle half, and the adjustment bolt threads directly into the cradle half, eliminating the need for separate adjustment assemblies and reducing overall complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Two identical cradle halves joined together to form a cable clamp that secures at least one cable to a surface. Each cradle half has a front, a back, a top, a bottom, and sides. Each cradle half has at least one cradle portion with a compression insert and an attachment portion. The attachment portion has an adjustment latch with a post having a T-shaped head and a tapered adjustment slot. The cable clamp is formed by joining the two cradle halves with the top of one cradle half positioned on the top of a second cradle half. The cradle portion and the attachment portion of one cradle half is positioned over the cradle portion and the attachment portion of the second cradle half to form the cable clamp.