Cable Carrier Connector Locking Against Twist Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting devices tend to twist and work loose when securing cables or wires to carriers, such as supports, leading to instability in suspending articles from ceilings or roofs.
Innovation Solution
A locking arrangement with a detent formation, comprising a resilient V-shaped member and a mounting member, is used to securely attach the connecting device to the carrier, preventing twisting and ensuring a stable connection through a rotatable attaching arrangement with a fastening element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connecting device is used to secure cables or wires to carriers, then the articles can be suspended from ceilings or roofs, but the connecting device tends to twist and work loose over time
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into separate functional components: a body portion for securing the cable, an attaching arrangement with projecting portions for engagement with the carrier, and a distinct locking arrangement with a resilient detent member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others, preventing the twisting and loosening that occurs in integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking arrangement is designed to engage the detent formation in the carrier before the connecting device can twist or loosen. The resilient detent member is pre-configured to snap into the detent formation, creating a preliminary lock that prevents subsequent movement. This preliminary action ensures stability is established before any operational stresses are applied.
2Ease of operation
If the connecting device is made rotatable for attachment, then installation is easier, but the device may twist and loosen during use
Solution Approach 1:
The attaching arrangement incorporates a rotatable mechanism with projecting portions that can rotate relative to each other during installation, allowing easy positioning and attachment. However, once attached, the locking arrangement engages the detent formation to convert this dynamic, rotatable connection into a static, locked position that prevents twisting and loosening during use. This dynamic-to-static transition resolves the contradiction between ease of installation and connection stability.
3Reliability
If a locking arrangement with detent formation is added, then the connecting device is secured firmly to the carrier, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement utilizes a resilient detent member that automatically engages with the detent formation in the carrier through its own elastic deformation, without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex control mechanisms. The resilient nature of the detent member allows it to self-lock upon engagement and self-release when force is applied to the cable, making the locking mechanism self-service and minimizing added complexity while maximizing connection stability.
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 effectively prevents the connecting device from twisting and loosening, providing a secure and stable attachment of cables or wires to carriers, ensuring the suspended articles remain securely fastened.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member may be substantially V shaped. The resilient member may have opposite arms forming the V. The arms may be resiliently deformable away from, and towards, each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting device (10) is provided for connecting a first article (14) to an elongate second article (24). The connecting device (10) comprises a securing arrangement (25) for securing the device (10) to the elongate second article (24), and an attaching arrangement (26) for attaching the connecting device to the first article (14). The attaching arrangement (26) is receivable through an opening (22) in the first article (14). The attaching arrangement (26) comprises a locking arrangement (40) for locking the connecting device (10) to the first article (14). The locking arrangement (40) comprises a detent formation (42) configured to be received by an opening in the first article (14).