Cable Clamping Assembly With Same-End Release Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping devices for elongate articles, such as cables and wire ropes, face difficulties in releasing the clamped material due to internal obstructions that hinder the movement of release mechanisms, potentially causing damage.

Innovation Solution

A clamping device design featuring a body with an opening arrangement that allows the clamping mechanism and release member to be assembled from the same end, utilizing a carriage with a socket portion for the clamping member and a release member attached to it, which extends through a slot region for easy operation, overcoming internal obstructions and enhancing release functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the release member is provided at the opposite end of the device to the clamping member it releases, then the release function is achieved, but internal obstructions hinder the movement of the release member or cause damage thereto

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease functionVSAvoidrelease member movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement by providing access to both the clamping mechanism and release member through the same end opening of the body, rather than having the release member at the opposite end. This dimensional reconfiguration eliminates the path through internal obstructions, allowing the release member to move freely without interference from internal structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a carriage that carries the clamping member and provides access to the release member through a separate socket portion. This segmentation allows the release member to be accessed and operated independently through the same end opening, separating the release function from the clamping function spatially while maintaining access through a common opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the release member is provided at the opposite end of the device, then the release function is achieved, but the body has internal obstructions that can hinder movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease mechanismVSAvoidinternal obstructions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reconfigures the device geometry by providing access to both clamping and release functions through the same end opening. This dimensional change eliminates the need for the release member to traverse the entire length of the body through internal obstructions, simplifying the internal structure and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The carriage acts as an intermediary structure that carries the clamping member and provides a socket portion for accessing the release member. This intermediary allows the release member to be operated through the same end opening without requiring direct passage through the body's internal obstructions, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the clamping mechanism and release member are assembled from opposite ends, then the assembly structure is stable, but the assembly process is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly structureVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the access points for the clamping mechanism and release member by providing access to both through the same end opening of the body. This consolidation allows both components to be assembled from the same end, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining structural stability through the integrated carriage design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The carriage serves as an intermediary structure that integrates the clamping member and provides access to the release member through the same opening. This intermediary structure enables simplified assembly from a single end while maintaining the stable composition of the overall device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3746678B1Clamping device
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 GRIPPLE LTD
  • EP3746678B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3746678B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3746678B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A clamping device (10) for clamping an elongate article (100) is disclosed. The damping device (10) comprises a body (12) and a clamping arrangement (26) in the body (12). The damping arrangement (26) comprises a clamping member (28) and an urging member (30) for urging the clamping member (2B) into clamping engagement with the elongate article (100). The body (12) has a reaction formation (56) along which the elongate article (100) can extend. The reaction formation (56) applies a reaction force to the elongate article (100) when so engaged by the clamping member (28). The clamping device (10) further includes a carriage (32) on which the damping member (28) is provided, and a release member (42) on the carriage (32) for releasing the damping member (28) from engagement with the elongate article (100). The release member (42) extends outwardly from the body (12).