Cable Gripping Device Wedging Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable gripping devices are non-hermaphroditic, difficult to manufacture, costly, and consist of many parts, making them inefficient and expensive for industrial and commercial applications.

Innovation Solution

A cable gripping device with a retention member having gear-like teeth that rotates and moves within a cable guide, utilizing a spring to wedge the cable between the guide and a wall, and a release pin mechanism to facilitate easy installation and secure cable retention, with a flexible restrictor to prevent improper insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If prior wedge devices are used to grip cables, then cable retention is achieved, but the devices consist of many parts, are difficult to manufacture and assemble, and are costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable retentionVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated body structure. The body houses both the retention member with gear-like teeth and the spring mechanism, eliminating the need for separate components. This merging of functions reduces the number of parts while maintaining reliable cable retention through the wedging action of the retention member against the cable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single body structure serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework, houses the retention member, contains the spring mechanism, and guides cable movement. This multi-functionality reduces component count while achieving reliable cable grip and retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If prior wedge devices are used to grip cables, then cable retention is achieved, but manufacturing and assembly costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable retentionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the retention member, spring, and body into a single unified structure, the patent reduces manufacturing steps and assembly operations. This consolidation lowers production costs while maintaining the reliable cable retention function through the gear-like teeth wedging mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a retention member with gear-like teeth rotates and moves within a cable guide, then cable gripping friction is reduced, but the retention member must be precisely guided to function properly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable gripping frictionVSAvoidcable guide alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gear-like teeth on the retention member are designed with curved surfaces that engage with the cable. This curvature allows the retention member to rotate smoothly within the cable guide while maintaining continuous contact with the cable, reducing gripping friction. The curved geometry also provides self-aligning characteristics that reduce the precision requirements for the cable guide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Ease of operation

If a flexible restrictor is added to the exit port to prevent improper insertion, then cable insertion direction control is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable insertion direction controlVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible restrictor is a simple elastomeric component that protrudes into the exit port to prevent cable insertion from the wrong direction. This flexible element adds minimal structural complexity while effectively controlling cable insertion direction through its physical blocking action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 device securely grips cables with low friction, making extraction difficult without damage, reducing manufacturing and installation costs due to fewer parts and improved assembly efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a retention member spring which is configured to exert force against the retention member such that the retention member wedges the cable between the wall and the retention member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the cable moves between the retention member and the wall, causing the retention member to simultaneously rotate and move toward the exit port as the cable is pushed out the exit port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2447569B1Cable gripping device

Publication Date: 2014.10.15 THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL INC

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AI summary

A device for gripping a cable (10) is presented that has a retention member (58) rotatably disposed within a cable guide (80) such that upon entrance of the cable within an entrance port (42), the cable moves between the retention member and a wall (26), causing the retention member (58) to simultaneously rotate and move toward the exit port (44) and away from the wall (26) until it abuts the exit wall and rotates in place as the cable is pushed out the exit port (44). When the cable is pulled toward the entrance port, the retention member simultaneously rotates and moves toward the entrance port and the wall, wedging the cable (10) between the wall (26) and the retention member (58).