Cable Adapter with Resilient Prongs for Tool-Free Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable support and attachment methods require tools for installation, are not easily removable, and are not ergonomic for hard-to-reach areas, leading to increased installation time and cost, as well as difficulties in cable repair or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A cable attachment device featuring a support member with opposing notches and a cable adapter with resilient prongs that securely engage the support member, allowing for tool-free installation and easy removal, enabling quick and ergonomic attachment of cables to aircraft structures without the need for specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bundling means and permanent fasteners are used to attach cables to structures, then the cables are securely attached to the structure, but the installation time increases and tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a support member with notches and a cable adapter with resilient prongs. This segmentation allows the cable adapter to be quickly snapped onto the support member without tools, reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment through the interlocking notch-prong mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient prongs automatically engage with the notches on the support member when the cable adapter is inserted, creating a self-securing mechanism that does not require external tools or complex assembly procedures, thereby reducing installation time and complexity.
2Reliability
If permanent or semi-permanent fasteners are used to attach cables to structures, then the cables are securely attached to the structure, but the ability to remove and reposition cables decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static permanent fastener to a dynamic reversible connection. The resilient prongs can be compressed to disengage from the notches, allowing the cable adapter to be easily removed and repositioned while maintaining secure attachment during normal use. This dynamic capability enables both secure attachment and easy removability.
3Reliability
If conventional tools are used to attach cables in hard-to-reach areas, then the cables can be attached to the structure, but the technician's ability to maneuver and the ergonomics decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is extracted from bulky conventional tools and integrated into a compact handheld cable adapter assembly. The resilient prong design allows the entire attachment function to be contained in a small, maneuverable device that can easily reach confined spaces while maintaining secure cable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member with notches acts as an intermediary element that can be positioned in hard-to-reach areas on the structure. The cable adapter then attaches to this intermediary rather than requiring direct manipulation with large tools, improving technician ergonomics and accessibility to confined spaces.
4Reliability
If permanent fasteners are used to attach cables to structures, then the cables are securely attached to the structure, but the cost of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable adapter is designed as an inexpensive, simple plastic component with molded-in resilient prongs, replacing expensive permanent fasteners and tool requirements. The simplicity of the design reduces material and manufacturing costs while maintaining adequate attachment security for cable applications.
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 provides a quick, cost-effective, and ergonomic method for attaching and removing cables from aircraft structures, reducing installation time and enhancing accessibility to hard-to-reach areas while allowing for easy cable maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
at least two opposing resilient prongs extending inwardly from the inner surface of the cable adapter into the bore... The at least two opposing resilient prongs are configured to engage the at least two opposing notches on the inner column of the support member to secure the cable adapter thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A cable attachment device is formed of a support member and at least one cable adapter. The support member has an elongated support post having inner column with at least two opposing notches formed along a length thereof. The at least one cable adapter has an inner surface and an outer surface and is configured to be inserted onto the support member. The cable adapter also has at least one tab and at least two opposing resilient prongs extending inwardly from the inner surface of the cable adapter, and at least one handle extending outwardly from the outer surface of the cable adapter configured to secure at least one wire or cable thereto. The at least two opposing resilient prongs are configured to engage the at least two opposing notches on the inner column of the support member to secure the cable adapter thereto.