Bi-Directional Buttonhead Tie With Integrated Dual-Slot Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing buttonhead ties require multiple molds, increased labor and costs for assembly, and may require additional handling due to loose connections, with complex installation procedures and potential for low-tension strap issues.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional buttonhead tie design where the tie strap and locking head are molded together, featuring dual slots and lock portions on both sides of the strap, allowing for secure engagement in either direction and reducing assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the locking head and tie strap are separately molded, then assembly flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to multiple molds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking head and tie strap into a single molded component. The tie strap is integrated directly into the locking head structure, eliminating the need for separate molding processes and assembly steps. This single-integration approach reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining assembly flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If the locking head and tie strap are loosely assembled, then installation ease is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential separation during shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The tie strap is integrally molded as part of the locking head structure, creating a permanent connection that cannot separate during shipping or handling. The integrated design eliminates loose assembly issues while maintaining ease of installation through the simple loop-and-lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie strap is pre-formed with the correct geometry and attachment points during the molding process. The strap is pre-configured to loop through the locking head and engage the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for complex assembly steps while ensuring reliable connection from the start.
3Ease of manufacture
If serrations are provided on only one side of the tie strap, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to orientation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric positioning of the single-sided serrations in conjunction with the bi-directional slot design. The serrations are located at specific positions on the tie strap that work with slots oriented in multiple directions, allowing the component to function reliably regardless of installation orientation while maintaining simple single-sided serration molding.
Data Source
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AI summary
This document describes techniques and apparatuses, which include improved bi-directional buttonhead ties, techniques for manufacturing bi-directional buttonhead ties, and techniques for using bi-directional buttonhead ties. In aspects, a bi-directional buttonhead tie is configured for securing an elongated member to a support structure and includes a tie strap and a locking head. The tie strap includes a first side and a second side. The locking head includes an outer side opposite a panel side, the tie strap extending from the panel side of the locking head, the locking head further including a first slot extending through the locking head from the outer side to the panel side, the first slot configured to receive a portion of the tie strap therethrough, and a second slot extending through the locking head from the outer side to the panel side, the second slot configured to receive a portion of the tie strap therethrough.