Cable Securing Clamp with Threaded Actuation for Fast Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing securing devices for equipment to cables require complex equipment and prolonged exposure to hazardous areas, as they are not easily secured using simple handheld tools, increasing the time personnel need to be near cables.
Innovation Solution
A securing device with a base, actuator shaft, and clamp members that can be operated with simple handheld tools, allowing for quick and secure attachment of equipment to cables of varying diameters by using left- and right-handed threads to adjust clamp positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing securing devices are used to secure equipment to cables, then the equipment can be secured to the cable, but complex equipment and prolonged exposure to hazardous areas are required
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is divided into distinct functional components: a base member that interfaces with the cable, clamp members that apply securing force, and an actuator mechanism that controls clamp movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall operation by separating the securing function from the actuation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp members are designed to be movable relative to the base member, transitioning between open and closed positions. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to cables of varying diameters and enables secure attachment using simple rotational motion of the actuator shaft, rather than requiring complex fastening procedures.
2Reliability
If existing securing devices are used to secure equipment to cables, then the equipment can be secured to the cable, but prolonged exposure to hazardous areas is required
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp members are pre-positioned on the actuator shaft and the device is pre-configured to engage with the cable. When deployed, the operator simply rotates the actuator shaft which automatically drives the clamps onto the cable and secures them in position. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex step-by-step assembly during the hazardous exposure period.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism automatically converts rotational motion into the linear motion required to close the clamps onto the cable. The left-handed and right-handed threaded portions of the actuator shaft self-adjust to pull the clamp members together and secure them to the cable without requiring additional fastening operations or tools.
3Ease of operation
If simple handheld tools are used to operate securing devices, then the operation can be simplified, but the securing device must be designed to work with these tools
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator shaft is designed with universal compatibility features: the first end portion can be engaged by various simple handheld tools (wrenches, socket tools, etc.), and the threaded portions accommodate cables of different diameters. This universal design allows the same device to work with standard tools while adapting to varying cable sizes through the adjustable clamp mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device accommodates varying cable diameters by changing the positional parameters of the clamp members along the actuator shaft. As the actuator rotates, the threaded portions convert rotational motion into linear displacement, adjusting the clamp position to match the specific cable diameter being secured, thereby maintaining secure attachment across different cable sizes.
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
Enables rapid and secure attachment of equipment to cables using only simple handheld tools, reducing the time personnel need to be in proximity to hazardous cables and ensuring symmetrical mounting for safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator shaft includes opposed threaded portions, one having left-handed threads and the other having right-handed threads
Data Source
AI summary
Securing devices are shown and disclosed. In one embodiment, the securing device includes a base having a first channel. The securing device additionally includes a pair of clamp members received in the first channel. The securing device further includes an actuator member that is received in the first channel and that enables a user to simultaneously move the pair of clamp members toward or away from each other.