Adjustable Cable Clamp Latches for Tight Routing Spaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The heavy-duty trucking industry requires a smaller cable clamp that can fit within limited cable routing spaces and be easily repositioned or released when needed, while also ensuring that the cable is not damaged.
Innovation Solution
A cable clamp formed from two identical cradle halves with a compression insert and an adjustment latch system, allowing for secure cable retention and easy adjustment or release without requiring tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional cable clamp design is used, then the cable is securely held, but the clamp size is too large for limited cable routing spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The cable clamp is divided into two separate cradle halves that can be assembled around the cable in confined spaces. This segmentation allows the clamp to be installed in limited cable routing spaces where a single-piece clamp would not fit, while still providing secure cable retention when assembled.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional cable clamp design is used, then the cable is securely held, but the clamp cannot be easily repositioned or released
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle halves incorporate adjustable latches with T-shaped heads that can be manually repositioned along the cable or attachment surface and easily released by lifting the latches. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the clamp to be securely held in position while enabling easy repositioning and release without tools, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
3Volume of moving object
If a smaller cable clamp is designed to fit limited spaces, then the clamp size is reduced, but the installation force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable latches are designed to engage with tapered slots that guide the latches into position during assembly. This tapered engagement reduces the force required to install the smaller cradle halves by allowing the latches to self-align and engage smoothly, rather than requiring high force to overcome tight clearances in a compact design.
4Volume of moving object
If a smaller cable clamp is designed to fit limited spaces, then the clamp size is reduced, but the cable jacket may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle halves incorporate compression inserts made of softer material at the cable contact surfaces, while the outer structure remains rigid for strength. This local quality differentiation allows the clamp to maintain a compact size for fitting in limited spaces while protecting the cable silicone jacket from damage through the softer compression inserts that grip the cable gently.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cable clamp effectively secures cables within limited spaces, allows for easy repositioning and release, and reduces the force needed for installation, while protecting the cable's silicone jacket.
Implementation Method 1
a tapered adjustment slot
Implementation Method 2
The cradle portion includes a compression insert
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.