Cable Hanger Stabilizing Structure for Multi-Cable Side Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable hangers struggle to efficiently secure multiple cables of varying diameters and weights, particularly in crowded antenna towers and tunnels, due to limited design flexibility and increased load stress.
Innovation Solution
The proposed cable hanger design features a flat base with arms extending from opposite edges, locking members with hooks, gripping members forming pockets to grasp cables, and stabilizing features that inhibit relative movement of locking members under side loads. Additionally, a flexible tying section provides additional support to the gripping members when cables are grasped.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple cable hangers are stacked or multiple cables are secured to each hanger to increase cable capacity, then the number of cables mountable per attachment point increases, but the device complexity and structural load increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger is divided into multiple arms (typically three arms extending from a central base), with each arm independently configured to secure a cable. This segmentation allows multiple cables to be mounted on a single hanger without requiring stacking, thereby increasing cable capacity while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger design with multiple arms provides universal capability to secure multiple different types and sizes of cables simultaneously on a single attachment point. Each arm can be independently adjusted or configured to accommodate different cable diameters and weights, making the hanger multi-functional for various cable installation scenarios.
2Weight of moving object
If cable hangers are designed to support heavier fiber optic and hybrid cables (up to three times heavier than coaxial cables), then the load capacity increases, but the stress and force requirements on the hanger structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger incorporates localized reinforcement at critical stress points, particularly at the base where all arms converge and at the cable contact points. This local quality enhancement allows the hanger to support heavier cables without requiring a complete redesign of the entire structure, thereby managing force distribution effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger design transitions from a single-plane or two-arm configuration to a three-dimensional multi-arm structure extending in different directions from a central base. This dimensional change distributes the weight and force of heavy cables across multiple spatial dimensions and attachment points, reducing stress concentration on any single structural element.
3Adaptability or versatility
If gripping members are designed to securely grasp cables of varying diameters, then the adaptability increases, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping members are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing them to adapt their geometry or position based on the cable diameter being secured. This may include movable components, adjustable clamping mechanisms, or flexible materials that conform to different cable sizes, thereby achieving versatility without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances for each specific cable diameter.
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
This design enhances the ability to securely mount multiple cables of different sizes and weights, providing improved load distribution and stability against side loads, thus addressing the limitations of existing hanger designs.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tying section extending between the support member and the first gripping members. The tying section is configured such that, when the cable hanger is not grasping a cable, the tying section has slack therein, but that sufficient deflection of the first gripping while grasping a cable can cause the tying section to become taut, thereby providing additional support to the first gripping member.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable hanger includes: a generally flat base with at least one opening; first and second arms extending in a first direction from opposite edges of the base; first and second locking members extending in the first direction from, respectively, ends of the first and second arms, each of the locking members comprising a respective hook; first and second gripping members, each of the first and second gripping members extending from the base or one of the arms and forming a pocket configured to receive and grasp a cable; and first and second stabilizing features, each mounted to and extending from a respective one of the first and second locking members. The first and second locking members are forced toward each other to mount the cable hanger in a mounting location vis the hooks, such movement causing the first and second gripping members to grasp a cable in the pocket. The first and second stabilizing features are configured so that engagement of the first and second stabilizing members inhibits relative movement of the first and second locking members.