Cable Hanger With Latch Mechanism for Secure Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable management systems fail to securely and efficiently organize and manage cables, particularly in environments with alternative energy sources like solar photovoltaic panels, where cables need to be supported and secured without damaging the insulation or requiring complex fastening methods.
Innovation Solution
A cable suspension assembly featuring a strut with latches and a cable hanger that can be partially or fully latched, using a spring-like mechanism to securely hold cables in place without bolts or nuts, allowing for easy addition and removal of cables while preventing them from falling or being damaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cable management systems are used, then cables can be supported, but they require complex fastening methods and may damage cable insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system is divided into separate functional components: a support structure with integrated latches and a cable holder. The latches are segmented from the main body, allowing independent operation for securing cables without requiring complex fastening of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the support structure and the cable holder, providing a simple interface for securing cables. Instead of directly fastening the cable holder to the support, the latch mediates this connection, enabling easy installation and removal.
2Reliability
If traditional cable management systems are used, then cables can be secured, but they may damage the insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The cable holder incorporates a flexible, cradle-like structure that gently cradles the cable without applying excessive localized pressure. This flexible design distributes contact forces along the cable surface, preventing damage to the insulation while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable holder is designed with cushioning features that prevent direct contact between rigid structural elements and the cable surface. This beforehand cushioning protects the cable insulation from mechanical damage before any potential harm can occur during installation or operation.
3Reliability
If cables are securely fastened, then they are held in place, but adding or removing cables becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states, providing dynamic control over cable security. When locked, the cable is securely held; when unlocked, the cable can be easily added or removed. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch automatically engages and disengages based on the presence or absence of the cable, reducing the need for manual intervention. The system self-adjusts to maintain secure holding when cables are present while allowing easy removal when the latch is actuated.
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 provides a secure, cost-effective method to manage cables by preventing damage to insulation and simplifying the process of adding or removing cables, ensuring they are securely suspended and organized without complex fastening, applicable to various cable types and applications.
Implementation Method 1
using a spring-like mechanism to securely hold cables in place without bolts or nuts
Data Source
AI summary
A cable hanger is disclosed. The cable hanger may include a first latch configured to suspend the cable hanger from a strut and a second latch configured to suspend the cable hanger from the strut. The cable hanger may also include a cable saddle to hold one or more cables. When the cable hanger is suspended by the first latch and not the second latch, a gap may be formed between the cable saddle and the strut such that the cable saddle is configured to receive the one or more cables through the gap. When the cable hanger is suspended by the second latch, the gap may be closed between the cable saddle and the strut to secure the one or more cables.