Cable Retaining Block With Reversible Inserts for Variable Diameters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical cable holding devices have a limited range of cable diameters they can accommodate, restricting their adaptability to different cable sizes.

Innovation Solution

A block with three parallel passages and reversible inserts with gutter-shaped support surfaces, along with movable pins with elastic deformation, allows for a wider range of cable diameters by adjusting the pin movement and support surface depth to securely hold cables of varying sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed pin position is used to clamp cables, then the cable retention is secure, but the range of cable diameters that can be accommodated is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of cable diametersVSAvoidpin movement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pin is made movable along the cable axis within the passage, transitioning between a retracted position (allowing cable insertion) and a clamping position (securing the cable). This dynamic adjustment enables the same device to accommodate various cable diameters while maintaining secure retention, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pin is moved to accommodate different cable diameters, then the adaptability increases, but the risk of cable crushing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable diameter adjustmentVSAvoidcable crushing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The passage cross-sectional area varies along its length, with a larger area near the opening for easy cable insertion and a smaller area at the clamping position for secure retention. This gradient design allows the pin to clamp the cable effectively without excessive force that would cause crushing, while still accommodating different diameters through pin movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The pin's movable design allows it to be positioned at different locations along the passage, enabling adjustment of the clamping force and position according to the specific cable diameter. This dynamic positioning prevents excessive compression on smaller cables while maintaining adequate retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the pin is positioned to clamp smaller cables, then small cables are retained securely, but larger cables cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable retentionVSAvoidcable size range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pin can be moved along the cable axis to different positions within the passage. For smaller cables, the pin is positioned closer to the opening where the passage has larger cross-section; for larger cables, the pin is positioned further along where the passage narrows. This dynamic repositioning maintains reliable retention across different cable sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The passage is designed with varying cross-sectional dimensions along its length. By changing the position of the pin along the passage, the effective clamping parameters are adjusted to match different cable diameters, enabling both small and large cables to be retained securely in their respective optimal positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables the block to securely hold a greater variety of cable diameters, reducing cable crushing and allowing for easy installation and removal, while maintaining effective retention without limiting cable size options.

Implementation Method 1

a pin movable transversely in the passage relative to the body between: a pinch position in which the cable associated with the passage is clamped between a bearing surface and a support surface carried by the body, and a retracted position, in which the movement of the cable associated with the passage is free

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3945649B1Block for holding electric cables
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 ALSTOM HOLDINGS SA
  • EP3945649B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3945649B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a retaining bracket (10) for at least one electrical cable (12) suitable for being fixed to a support (16). The retaining bracket (10) comprises a body (24) in which at least one passage (26) is provided for the electrical cable or cables (12), and for each passage (26), a pin (62) movable transversely in the passage (26) relative to the body (24) between: - a pinched position in which the cable (12) is clamped between a bearing surface (64) and a support surface (54, 56), and - a retracted position, in which the movement of the cable (12) is free, the pin (62) being moved away from the support surface (54, 56). Each support surface (54, 56) is delimited by a reversible insert (52) placed in a recess (50) of the body (24) opening into the respective passage (26).