Cable Fastening Device with Rotating Guide Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening devices for cables and flexible supply lines require multiple parts and complex assembly processes, leading to increased installation effort, cost, and reduced laying speed and accuracy due to axial twisting of fixations during routing.

Innovation Solution

A fastening device featuring a clamp with a guide element and holding element, where the guide element is mechanically connected to the clamp, allowing for secure cable fixation with non-positive and positive clamping, preventing twisting and displacement, and enabling easy alignment and mounting with a one-piece design and elastic retaining ribs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid fixings are firmly connected to cables in a pre-assembly process, then the cable is securely fixed, but the fixings rotate axially during routing reducing laying speed and accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable fixation securityVSAvoidlaying speed and routing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is designed with a bearing that allows axial rotation relative to the clamp, transforming the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic system where the fixing can rotate independently. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining secure cable fixation through the clamp while allowing the fixing element to rotate without affecting cable positioning accuracy or laying speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If different types of fixings are used for different connection situations, then specific connection requirements are met, but the device complexity and assembly effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection type compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of fixing types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different cable types and connection situations through its bearing mechanism and guide element configuration. The same fixing element design can be used across various applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixing types while maintaining adaptability to different connection requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the cable must be rotated into the corresponding joining position by applying force, then the fixing achieves proper orientation, but stresses propagate from joining position to joining position affecting laying accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing orientation accuracyVSAvoidstress propagation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing enables the fixing element to rotate freely into its proper orientation without requiring force application to the cable. This dynamic rotation capability eliminates stress propagation along the cable while still achieving precise fixing orientation through the guide element that directs the rotation axis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If bearing points are attached in a separate manufacturing process with injection molding or shrink-fitting, then the fixing structure is enhanced, but manufacturing costs and process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing structure integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing process simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing is integrated directly into the clamp as a single component rather than being attached through separate manufacturing processes like injection molding or shrink-fitting. This merging of components simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the structural integrity and strength of the fixing assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2870396B1Fastening device for fixing a cable
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH
  • EP2870396B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2870396B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2870396B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Fastening device for fixing at least one cable, wherein the fastening device comprises a clip (1) for receiving and/or fixing a cable, wherein the clip (1) is designed such that it can at least partially surround the cable and clamp said cable in a force-fitting and/or interlocking manner, and wherein the fastening device has a fixing element (2) which comprises a guide element (21) and a retaining element (22), wherein the guide element (21) is mechanically connected to the clip (1), and the retaining element (22) is designed such that it allows the fastening device to be mounted in a fixed position, wherein the guide element (21) is mounted in the clip (1) in a mount (12) which at least partially surrounds the clip (1) in respect of its casing surface.