Braided Sleeve Flanged End Mounting System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Braided sleeves tend to fray at their ends when cut, and existing termination methods, such as heat bonding or dipping, prevent expansion, making installation difficult and aesthetically unappealing, while also failing to securely attach the sleeve to junction boxes, leaving cables exposed to damage.

Innovation Solution

A braided sleeve with a flared end and a mounting flange structure is attached to a junction box using a clamp device that engages the flange between a faceplate and the junction box, preventing unraveling and ensuring secure attachment without hindering expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If heat bonding or dipping is used to terminate braided sleeve ends, then fraying is prevented, but expansion is prevented making installation difficult and aesthetics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The braided sleeve is divided into two distinct sections: a uniform diameter section for covering the cable and a flared section at the end. The flared section acts as a separate functional element that provides mechanical anchoring without requiring heat bonding or dipping, thus preventing fraying while maintaining expandability for easy installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a one-dimensional linear structure to a two-dimensional flared structure at the end of the braided sleeve. This dimensional change creates a mounting flange structure that provides both fraying prevention and mechanical attachment capability without compromising the expandability of the main body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If heat bonding or dipping is used to terminate braided sleeve ends, then fraying is prevented, but the exterior appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend stabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If braided sleeve ends are left unattached to junction boxes, then installation is simple, but cables are left exposed to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcable protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting flange structure is pre-formed as an integral part of the braided sleeve during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate attachment components or complex installation procedures, allowing the sleeve to be securely anchored to the junction box simply by positioning the flared end over the cable entry point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting flange structure acts as an intermediary element between the braided sleeve and the junction box. It provides a mechanical interface that secures the sleeve to the junction box without requiring additional fasteners or attachment mechanisms, thus maintaining installation simplicity while ensuring reliable cable protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a clamp device is used to attach the braided sleeve to the junction box, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmounting structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting flange structure merges the functions of the braided sleeve termination and the attachment mechanism into a single integrated component. The flared section serves both as the end termination that prevents fraying and as the mounting interface that secures the sleeve to the junction box, eliminating the need for separate clamp devices or fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting flange structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it prevents end fraying, provides mechanical anchoring, and interfaces with standard junction box mounting holes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8157820B1End plate mounting system for a braided sleeve with integral flanged end and its associated method of manufacture

Publication Date: 2012.04.17 DERMODY IV WILLIAM E

AI summary

A system and method of attaching a braided sleeve to a junction box so that the braided sleeve completely protects any cable or wire leading from the junction box. To attach the braided sleeve to the junction box, one end of the braided sleeve is engaged with a clamp. A faceplate is provided for the junction box. The clamp is interposed between the faceplate and the junction box, wherein the braided sleeve extends through an opening in the faceplate. The faceplate is mounted to the junction box or to a receptacle within the junction box. The clamp device is too large to pass through the opening in the faceplate. Consequently, the clamp and the end of the braided sleeve become trapped between the faceplate and the junction box. Any wire or cable that leads to the junction box passes through the center of the braided sleeve.