Cable Mounting Assembly for Variable-Thickness Edge Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing edge clips for mounting cables are limited by their requirement for specific edge thicknesses and can damage edges due to their metallic inserts, particularly in marine environments where surface scratching can lead to corrosion issues.
Innovation Solution
A mounting assembly comprising a first and second clamping jaw with an integral elongate locking element and guides, which interlock to secure the jaws in a clamping configuration, allowing for secure cable attachment without damaging edges, and featuring a fastening strap to tighten the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic insert is used in the edge clip to provide deformation and latching force, then the clip can be retained securely on the edge, but the metallic insert may scratch and damage the edge surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metallic insert from the edge clip design entirely, extracting the harmful element that caused edge scratching. The clip is redesigned to function without metal, using only polymeric materials that can deform and latch onto edges without causing surface damage, while maintaining secure retention through alternative mechanical deformation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction, combining different polymeric materials with varying properties within the same clip. The body uses a softer polymer for non-invasive contact, while strategic harder polymer regions provide necessary structural support and latching force, eliminating the need for metallic inserts while maintaining retention reliability.
2Reliability
If the clip is tailored to a specific edge thickness, then the metallic insert can be optimized for that thickness, but the clip becomes limited to only that specific edge thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through a deformable polymeric body that can adjust its shape and compliance to accommodate various edge thicknesses. The clip transitions from a static, thickness-specific design to a dynamic system that deforms elastically to match different edge geometries, enabling universal application across multiple edge thicknesses while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal clip design that can function across multiple edge thicknesses by eliminating the metallic insert and using a compliant polymeric body. The single clip design serves multiple functions: it can adapt to different edge thicknesses, provide secure retention through elastic deformation, and prevent edge damage, replacing the need for multiple thickness-specific metallic clip variants.
3Reliability
If a metallic insert is used to apply force to the edge for retention, then the clip can latch effectively, but corrosion resistant paint can be removed from marine structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the metallic insert that caused paint removal and replaces it with a polymeric material. The latching mechanism is maintained through elastic deformation of the polymer body, which can apply sufficient force to latch securely without the abrasive and corrosive effects of metal, thereby preserving the corrosion resistant paint on marine structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric body acts as an intermediary between the clip and the edge surface, providing a non-abrasive interface that transfers latching forces without directly damaging the painted surface. The polymer deforms to create the latching action while protecting the underlying paint layer from the harmful effects that would occur with direct metal-to-paint contact.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting assembly for securing a cable to an edge. The assembly comprises a first clamping jaw including an integral elongate locking element, and first guides laterally disposed on opposing sides of the locking element. A second clamping jaw includes a locking channel and second guides. At least one mounting aperture is arranged relative to a mounting surface such that a fastening strap may be passed through the aperture and looped over the surface to secure a cable thereto. The guides engage to align, and to guide, the jaws towards each other in a clamping direction. The locking element is insertable through the locking channel in the clamping direction. The locking element and locking channel are configured to interlock to prevent removal of the locking element from the locking channel in a direction opposite to the clamping direction, such that the jaws are held in a clamping configuration.