Aircraft Clamp Support With Guide Channel to Prevent Cable Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems for cables and pipes in aircraft, such as cable ties, often cause damage due to pinching and friction, leading to malfunctions, particularly with electrical cables.

Innovation Solution

A support for a fastening system comprising a clamp with a flexible link and a cage, featuring a base with a housing and a guide channel, and an upright extending from the base to provide a protective surface, minimizing the angle where damage typically occurs, along with elastic elements for adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cable tie with cage and tunnel is used to secure cables, then the cables can be fastened together, but the cables may be damaged by pinching and friction at the entry point

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening reliabilityVSAvoiddamage to cables
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A guide channel is introduced as an intermediary element between the cable and the cage-tunnel assembly. The guide channel receives the cable end and directs it into the tunnel at a reduced angle, preventing direct contact between the cable and the sharp entry point of the tunnel, thereby eliminating pinching and friction damage while maintaining fastening reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide channel is designed with a curved geometry that gradually transitions the cable from a straight path into the tunnel entry. This curvature reduces the entry angle and distributes the contact forces along a smoother path, preventing the sharp angular contact that causes cable damage while still achieving secure fastening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Device complexity

If a simple clamp is used for fastening, then the device complexity is low, but the element may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening system complexityVSAvoiddamage to elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is segmented into distinct functional components: the original clamp (cage and tunnel), the flexible link, and the added guide channel. This segmentation allows the guide channel to specifically address the damage problem at the cable entry point without requiring a complete redesign of the entire clamp mechanism, maintaining simplicity while adding protective functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution prevents damage to the elements being fastened by reducing pinching and friction, ensuring secure and damage-free fixation while allowing for quick and simple assembly.

Implementation Method 1

said base comprises a portion extending between said first channel and said second end which is also elastic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4491924B1System for attaching an element and aircraft comprising at least one such system
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
  • EP4491924B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4491924B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4491924B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a support (10) for a fastening system (1) for an element (9) comprising a clamp (13) having a flexible link (131) and a cage (133), said support (10) comprising: - a base (11) having a housing (111) in which the cage is housed and a first channel (115) into which the link is threaded, - an inclined upright (12) extending from the base away from the housing such that a free end (12a) of the upright is positioned at a distance from and opposite an opening (113) which leads into the housing. The link is adapted to enter the first channel, surround the element, and then successively enter the opening of the housing and the cage. Thus, the element is fastened quickly and easily while avoiding unwanted damage to the element.