Cable Bundle Strap and Barb Locking for Long-Term Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable bundling systems fail to maintain the support of cable bundles over time due to the weight of the cables causing the locking members to loosen or fail, making repairs difficult, especially in hard-to-reach locations.

Innovation Solution

A cable bundling system featuring a base with a barb that pierces a strap when displaced in a specific direction, ensuring the strap remains securely locked to the base, using materials like polymer, nylon, or UV-stabilized nylon, and incorporating a longitudinal groove for enhanced grip and locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flexible strap with locking members is used to bundle cables, then the strap can be easily installed and wrapped around cables, but over time the weight of the cables causes the locking members to fail and the strap to loosen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidlong-term security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the bundling function into two separate components: a flexible strap for easy installation and a rigid base with a barb for long-term security. The strap is segmented from the base, allowing each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barb is pre-positioned on the base in a specific orientation that allows the strap to be easily inserted during installation. The barb's initial position is designed to engage with the strap's opening, and subsequent tightening action causes the barb to rotate and lock into its final secure position against the base.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional locking members are used on flexible straps, then the system is simple and easy to manufacture, but the locking members cannot maintain secure support under cable weight over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidlocking strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is separated from the strap and placed on the base. The base with its integrated barb provides the strength needed to maintain locking under cable weight, while the strap remains simple and easy to manufacture without complex locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barb features an asymmetric geometry with a specific angle relative to the base. This asymmetric design allows the barb to easily penetrate the strap during installation but creates a mechanical lock that resists reversal under cable weight, providing strong holding strength without complex manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Stability of the object's composition

If the strap uses outwardly directed locking members to impede loosening, then the strap can maintain tightness initially, but the locking members fail over time allowing the strap to loosen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial tightnessVSAvoidduration of secure support

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The barb is designed to pierce through the strap material, which initially seems harmful to the strap integrity. However, this piercing action creates a mechanical interlock where the barb passes through the strap and contacts the base, converting the potential harm of piercing into the benefit of a secure, permanent lock that prevents loosening over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS12365524B2Cable bundling system

Publication Date: 2025.07.22 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG

AI summary

A cable bundling system is disclosed. The cable bundling system includes a base having an opening extending through the base; a barb supported by the base and extending at least partially across the opening; and a strap adapted to be advanced through the opening in a first direction. When the strap is displaced in a second direction opposite the first direction, the barb pierces a medial portion of the strap such that the barb contacts the base. The strap can include a longitudinal groove extending a length of the strap, and the barb has a piercing portion opposite a supported portion. The piercing portion can pierce the medial portion of the strap.