Quick-Assembly Cable Carrier Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lead-through designs for multiple supply lines, particularly energy chains, are complex in assembly and require intricate clamping mechanisms to achieve strain relief, making them difficult to assemble and maintain.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a quick-release clamp system that clamps the side parts and rails together to exert clamping force on spacers, allowing for easy assembly, maintenance, and line replacement, while also generating force-locking fastening against tensile forces, using toggle lever clamps and swiveling side parts to simplify the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual linewise securing is used for strain relief, then optimal strain relief matching for each line is achieved, but assembly becomes very complex especially with a large number of different lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual line securing functions into a single integrated clamp body with multiple clamping elements. Instead of using separate strain relief devices for each line, the invention merges them into one unified structure that can secure multiple lines simultaneously, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining optimal strain relief for each line.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate and secure different types of lines (cables, hoses, etc.) simultaneously. The multi-functional clamp body with multiple clamping elements can handle various line configurations in a single assembly operation, eliminating the need for multiple separate securing devices.
2Force
If clamping rails with bolts as clamping devices are used, then high clamping forces are achieved for sufficient strain relief, but the assembly and adjustment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex bolt-based clamping mechanism and replaces it with a simplified spring-loaded clamping system. The spring element directly provides the clamping force without requiring separate bolts, nuts, and adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining high clamping force while significantly reducing the complexity of the clamping device.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clamping elements are designed to automatically generate and maintain the required clamping force without external adjustment mechanisms. The spring itself serves both as the force-generating element and the clamping actuator, eliminating the need for separate adjustment devices and simplifying the overall clamping mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If a retaining frame with snap connections is used for simplified assembly, then making up is simplified, but the solution can only absorb low tensile forces and is not suited for energy chains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction combining a rigid clamp body made of strength-oriented material (such as metal or reinforced plastic) with integrated spring elements. This composite structure maintains the assembly simplicity of snap connections while the rigid material composition ensures sufficient tensile force absorption capability for energy chain applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamic spring elements within the clamp body that can elastically deform to absorb and dissipate tensile forces. This dynamic component allows the retaining frame to handle high tensile loads typical of energy chains while maintaining the simplified snap-connection assembly approach, bridging the gap between ease of assembly and load-bearing capacity.
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
This design significantly simplifies the assembly and maintenance of lead-throughs by allowing easy access and adjustment of lines, while maintaining effective strain relief through a high clamping force without the need for complex clamping bolts, thus reducing assembly time and increasing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The quick-release clamp (20, 120) exerts a clamping force (Fk) on the spacers (16) and/or on the rails (11, 12)... generating force-locking fastening against tensile forces
Data Source
AI summary
A tension relief for a cable carrier. A multi-part holding frame comprising bars which are connected by side parts holds block-like spacers, between which a plurality of lines, such as cables, hoses or the like, are laid. In order to exert a clamping force by the holding frame on the spacers for the purpose of strain relief, a quickly closable device is provided. A quick release clamp can be provided, which in the closed position clamps the side parts and/or the bars to one another. According to the invention, the two side parts are mounted pivotably on the lower strip and are fastened releasably to the first bar, for example by screws or the quick release clamp. Each side part can thus be pivoted from the closed position into an open position and vice versa in order to release and clamp the lines respectively.