Cable Clipping Mechanism with Profiled Bosses for Secure Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method for fixing cables on a support plate, using a connection sleeve with a circular bearing surface and return spring, is not reliable as operators often struggle to confirm proper clipping due to noise interference on a motor vehicle assembly line, leading to potential incomplete engagement and insecure cable fixation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates clipping arrangements with profiled bosses at the notch opening, featuring introduction slopes and retaining profiles to guide and block the sleeve irreversibly, ensuring secure engagement without special effort, and a semi-circular boss for enhanced locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple clipping mechanism with a smile and return spring is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of proper clipping is insufficient due to operator inability to confirm engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback through color-coded elements (red retention element, green detection element) that provide immediate visual confirmation to the operator whether proper clipping has occurred. The detection element changes position relative to the opening based on whether the retention element is properly engaged, allowing the operator to verify clipping without relying on auditory feedback alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color coding as a visual indication system where the retention element is made red and the detection element is made green. These colors provide immediate visual feedback to the operator about the clipping status, with the green detection element being visible when proper engagement has occurred, eliminating the need to rely solely on auditory clicking sounds.
2Ease of operation
If the clipping occurs at the bottom of the notch without visual indication, then the ease of operation is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring proper clipping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback through color-coded elements (red retention element, green detection element) that provide immediate visual confirmation to the operator whether proper clipping has occurred. The detection element changes position relative to the opening based on whether the retention element is properly engaged, allowing the operator to verify clipping without relying on auditory feedback alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color coding as a visual indication system where the retention element is made red and the detection element is made green. These colors provide immediate visual feedback to the operator about the clipping status, with the green detection element being visible when proper engagement has occurred, eliminating the need to rely solely on auditory clicking sounds.
3Ease of operation
If profiled bosses with introduction slopes are added to guide the sleeve, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates introduction slopes on the profiled bosses that are pre-formed as part of the support plate structure. These slopes perform the preliminary action of guiding the sleeve into proper alignment and orientation before the clipping operation occurs, eliminating the need for operator adjustment or special insertion techniques and ensuring consistent proper engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The clipping arrangement is segmented into distinct functional elements: profiled bosses with introduction slopes for guidance, retention elements for securing, and detection elements for verification. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system integration through the support plate structure.
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 facilitates effortless and secure cable fixation, ensuring the sleeve is automatically positioned and locked in the notch, reducing the risk of uncoupling and providing a reliable clipping mechanism without additional components or effort.
Implementation Method 1
a circular bearing surface or ring mounted with limited coaxial sliding capacity against a return spring
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device has a clipping arrangement cooperating with a connecting socket (2) and constituted by sectioned bosses formed on both sides of an opening of a recess (1a) in a support plate (1). The bosses have introduction slopes (1b1, 1c1) creating resisting force during introduction of the socket. Slopes are extended through angulation slopes (1b2, 1c2) to direct the socket to a stop position in a base of the recess and through retaining sections (1b3, 1c3) to ensure irreversible locking of the socket in the base. The sections present a partial circular shape corresponding to the socket.