Cable-Clamping Device Segmentation for Mold Simplicity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable-clamping devices for electrical cables are complex and costly to manufacture due to the need for sliding parts in moulds, especially when producing thermoplastic synthetic plastic resin components with undercuts.

Innovation Solution

A cable-clamping device designed for simple and cost-effective manufacturing using a single mould operation without sliding parts, featuring a base with a through seat and a clamping element connected via snap engaging retaining means, allowing for integral moulding of the base and clamping element with a deformable tongue, and utilizing a transversal slot and recesses to create an insertion seat for screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If sliding parts are used in the mould to manufacture cable-clamping devices with undercuts, then the manufacturing capability and product shape complexity are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct shape complexityVSAvoidmould complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable-clamping device is divided into two separate components: a base and a clamping element. The clamping element can be inserted into the base through a through-seat, allowing each component to be manufactured separately using simple moulds without sliding parts, while still achieving the final complex assembled shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping element is nested within the base structure, with the clamping element being insertable into the base through the through-seat. This nesting arrangement allows complex functionality to be achieved through component insertion rather than complex moulding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Shape

If sliding parts are used in the mould to manufacture cable-clamping devices, then the manufacturing capability is improved, but the productivity and manufacturing efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct shape complexityVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the device into base and clamping element components that can be manufactured separately using simple moulds, the manufacturing process becomes faster and more efficient, eliminating the need for complex sliding mechanisms in the mould while still achieving the required product shape.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If the clamping element is firmly fixed to the base, then the structural integrity is improved, but the adaptability and cable adjustment capability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcable adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the clamping element and base is made adjustable through threaded fasteners, allowing the structural integrity to be firmly secured when needed, while also enabling easy adjustment and removal of cables, providing both strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient and cost-effective production of cable-clamping devices without the need for sliding parts in moulds, ensuring secure cable retention and easy assembly, while maintaining electrical insulation and structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastically deformable tooth positioned so as to snapping mesh with the transversal toothing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2044659B1Cable-clamping device
Publication Date: 2010.01.06 ITW IND COMPONENTS SRL
  • EP2044659B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2044659B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A cable-clamping device (1), including a base (2) having a through seat (3) for accommodating electrical cables, for example electrical power cables of a household appliance; and a clamping element (4) progressively insertable in the seat (3) in a transversal direction with respect to the same defined in use by an axis (A) laying on a longitudinal symmetry plane of the clamping element, for clamping in use the cables against a bottom wall (5) of the seat; the clamping element (4) being delimited between a first (6) and a second (7) end by a first (8) and a second (9) lateral flank essentially parallel to the longitudinal symmetry plane and by an upper face (10) essentially perpendicular to the lateral flanks, the first and the second ends being provided with coupling means to the base (2) including snappingretaining means (11) made at the second end (7) and an insertion seat (12) for at least one removable clamping element; wherein the insertion seat (12) is defined by at least one first recess (13) open on the first lateral flank (8), at least one second recess (14) open on the second lateral flank (9) and made immediately adjacent to, and flush with, the first, and by at least one slot (15) made transversally through the first end, in direction essentially perpendicular to the lateral flanks.