Open Annular Cable Support for Fast Aircraft Wiring Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable support systems for aircraft electrical or electronic circuits are inefficient and time-consuming to assemble, especially in cramped spaces, due to complex assembly operations and the need for multiple tools and gestures.

Innovation Solution

A cable support system featuring an open annular body with jaws forming a clamp, equipped with self-locking mechanisms and grooves for secure cable retention, along with an intermediate support with a base, leg, and articulated connection, allowing rapid and reliable installation using self-locking clamps or cam cylinders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cable support systems with multiple screws, washers, and rivets are used, then strong and effective cable fastening is achieved, but assembly time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable fastening strengthVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated cable support component. The cable support includes an integrated clamp structure with jaws that can be fastened using a single screw, eliminating the need for separate screws, washers, and rivets. This merging of functions directly reduces assembly time while maintaining fastening strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable support is segmented into functional modules: an annular body for cable guidance, jaws for clamping, and integrated mounting features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently and enables rapid assembly by pre-assembling modules before installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional multi-step assembly processes with numerous tool manipulations are used, then reliable cable positioning is achieved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable positioning accuracyVSAvoidassembly productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable support features pre-configured mounting holes and integrated clamp structures that are prepared during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site drilling, bending, or complex alignment operations, allowing installers to simply insert and secure the component in one straightforward operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cable support includes self-aligning features such as the annular body that naturally guides cables into position, and the jaws that automatically adjust to clamp the cable securely. This self-service capability reduces the need for precise manual alignment and multiple adjustment steps during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If complex assembly operations with multiple components are used, then secure cable fastening is achieved, but the assembly process becomes lengthy and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable fastening securityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cable clamping function and the mounting function into a single integrated component. The cable support includes both the clamp jaws for securing the cable and the mounting features for attaching to the aircraft structure, eliminating the need for separate clamps, brackets, and fasteners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable support is designed as a universal component that can be installed in various locations and configurations. The annular body accommodates different cable sizes and types, while the integrated mounting features allow attachment to different surface types, reducing the need for location-specific custom assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4407195A1Improved cable support member, cable support assembly, aircraft electrical system and aircraft
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)
  • EP4407195A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4407195A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4407195A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a cable support (1a) comprising an open annular body (10) and two jaws (13, 14) integral with the open annular body (10) and extending from the open annular body (10), arranged opposite each other (14) and configured to jointly form a clamp, the open annular body (10) having an opening (10c), the cable support (1a) being such that: the opening (10c) of the annular body (10) is configured to allow the insertion of at least one cable into the annular body (10); the terminal parts of the open annular body (10) bordering said opening (10c) each have a loop (10a, 10b) configured for the passage of a self-locking cable tie arranged around the open annular body (10); and, the jaws (13, 14) forming a clamp each include at least one through opening (13a, 14a) configured for the passage of a locking fastening means in position.The invention further relates to a fastening assembly (1) comprising a cable support (1a) and an intermediate fastening support (1b) for the cable support (1a). This advantageously enables quick and reliable cable installation, particularly in confined spaces such as on board an aircraft.