Cable Bundling Lock Geometry to Prevent Strap Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object bundling apparatuses, used to secure cables in ceilings and other difficult-to-access locations, suffer from loosening due to weight-induced degradation of flexible straps, making maintenance and long-term support challenging.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an object bundling apparatus with a body and strap featuring non-linear surface profiles that interlock upon advancement, providing a ratcheting mechanism to prevent loosening by applying a biasing force and distributing holding forces evenly across complementary non-linear surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible strap is used to bundle cables, then the strap can be easily installed and adapted to cable bundles, but over time the weight of the cables causes the locking members to degrade or fail, resulting in strap loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the strap into multiple discrete locking members distributed along its length, rather than relying on a single locking mechanism. This segmentation allows the load to be distributed across multiple points, reducing stress on individual locking members and preventing catastrophic failure. The strap body is also segmented into engagement zones with specific geometric profiles that work with corresponding body engagement members.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs non-linear surface profiles on both the strap engagement members and body engagement members. These curved or angled surfaces create a ratcheting effect that mechanically prevents loosening displacement. The complementary geometric profiles ensure that the strap can be inserted easily but cannot be removed or loosened once engaged, providing reliable long-term support.
2Ease of operation
If traditional locking members are used on flexible straps, then the strap can be easily applied, but the locking members degrade or fail under cable weight, requiring frequent maintenance in difficult-to-access locations
Solution Approach 1:
The strap design is self-securing through its engagement members that automatically lock into the body engagement members upon insertion. The non-linear profiles create a self-locking mechanism that prevents loosening without requiring active maintenance or adjustment. The system serves itself by maintaining its own secure state through the mechanical ratcheting action of the engagement members.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap is designed as a disposable or replaceable component with a predetermined service life. Rather than attempting to make the strap permanently durable, the design accepts that the strap will eventually wear and can be easily replaced by pulling it through the body opening. This approach is more economical than designing for indefinite life, especially given the difficult-to-access installation locations.
3Reliability
If a non-linear surface profile is used on engagement members, then the strap prevents loosening displacement and distributes holding forces evenly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-linear surface profiles are applied only to specific localized zones on the strap and body engagement members, rather than the entire components. The strap has distinct engagement members with non-linear profiles at critical locking points, while other portions of the strap remain simple and flexible. This localized application of complexity achieves the reliability benefit without unnecessarily complicating the entire device.
Data Source
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AI summary
An object bundling apparatus includes an opening defining an engagement channel having an inner wall. At least one body engagement member is disposed on the inner wall having a holding surface laterally bound by a first end and a second end. The holding surface has a non-linear surface profile between the first end and second end. A strap is adapted to be passed through the opening in a direction of insertion, the strap having a plurality of strap engagement members. Each of the strap engagement members includes a contact surface laterally bound by a first strap end and a second strap end. The contact surface has a non-linear surface profile between the first strap end and second strap end. The non-linear contact surface profile of the strap is configured to nest within the non-linear holding surface profile and/or abut against the non-linear holding surface profile upon advancement of the strap in a direction opposite the direction of insertion.