Cable Bundling Strap Lock with Nonlinear Ratcheting Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object bundling apparatuses with flexible straps fail to maintain cable bundles securely over time due to weight-induced degradation of locking members, making maintenance difficult in inaccessible locations.
Innovation Solution
An object bundling apparatus featuring a body with a non-linear engagement channel and a strap with a non-linear contact surface profile, where the strap's engagement members interlock with the body's engagement members, providing a ratcheting mechanism that prevents loosening by applying a biasing force and distributing holding forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 adjusted, but over time the weight of the cables causes the locking members to degrade or fail, resulting in strap loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a non-linear surface profile to the engagement members, creating a curved geometric configuration that distributes cable weight across multiple contact points. This curved surface design transforms the linear stress concentration into distributed radial forces, preventing localized degradation while maintaining secure engagement over time
Solution Approach 2:
The non-linear surface profile is pre-configured in the engagement members to automatically distribute loads in the optimal pattern from the beginning of operation. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that cable weight is immediately and evenly distributed across the holding surface, preventing progressive degradation before it can occur
2Adaptability or versatility
If the strap is made flexible to allow wrapping around cables, then the strap can conform to cable bundles, but the flexibility causes locking members to fail under sustained cable weight
Solution Approach 1:
The non-linear surface profile creates a geometric structure that naturally distributes concentrated cable weight into distributed radial forces. This curved configuration maintains adaptability to different cable bundle shapes while providing the structural strength needed to resist weight-induced failure through optimized force distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement members are designed with a composite structural approach, combining the flexibility needed for adaptation with the strength required for load-bearing. The non-linear surface geometry acts as a structural reinforcement that allows the material to remain flexible while resisting failure under sustained cable weight
3Force
If locking members are used to maintain strap tension, then the strap can secure cables initially, but the locking members degrade over time under cable weight, causing loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The non-linear surface profile transforms the force application from concentrated points to distributed areas, reducing stress on any single locking member. This geometric configuration maintains strong initial holding force while extending the duration of secure locking by preventing progressive degradation through optimized force distribution across the entire engagement surface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the engagement members by introducing a non-linear surface profile. This parameter change optimizes the distribution of holding force over time, maintaining initial securing strength while extending the operational duration before degradation occurs
Data Source
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 upon advancement of the strap in a direction opposite the direction of insertion.