Cable Holding Fixture With Position Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding fixtures for cables lack clear indication of correct assembly, leading to potential mismounting and compromised sealing or functionality, especially under low mechanical forces.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an indicator element that changes visibility or color when the clamping member is in the holding position, combined with a return spring device and latching mechanism to ensure secure positioning and easy verification of correct assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fastening clip is used to hold the cable, then the cable can be secured against movements, but it is not easily recognisable if the fastening clip is correctly mounted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable securingVSAvoidassembly verification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs color-coded indicator elements that change visibility or color state to indicate assembly status. The indicator element is visible when the clamping member is in the correct holding position and hidden when incorrectly positioned, providing immediate visual feedback for assembly verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator element serves as a visual feedback mechanism that provides immediate information about the assembly state. When the clamping member is correctly positioned in the holding position, the indicator element becomes visible, confirming proper assembly to the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the clamping member is made easily movable for assembly, then assembly is simplified, but the holding strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidholding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping member is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be easily movable during assembly operations. The hinge connection enables simple swinging motion for mounting and dismounting. However, when in the holding position, the system transitions to a stable state with high holding strength through the latching mechanism and biasing force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holding fixture is divided into separable components - the clamping member can be independently mounted and dismounted from the affixing member. This segmentation allows easy assembly operations while maintaining strong holding capability when components are properly engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the clamping member is held in a biased position away from the holding channel, then easy mounting is achieved, but incorrect assembly may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting easeVSAvoidassembly correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The indicator element provides immediate visual feedback about assembly correctness. When the clamping member is in the biased pre-holding position during mounting, the indicator is hidden. When the clamping member reaches the correct holding position, the indicator becomes visible, confirming proper assembly and preventing incorrect mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator element acts as an intermediary between the mechanical assembly state and the operator's perception. It translates the positional state of the clamping member into visible information, mediating the confirmation of correct assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2570834B1Holding fixture for holding at least one cable with an affixing member and a clamping member
Publication Date: 2016.12.14 COMMSCOPE CONNECTIVITY BELGIUM BVBA
  • EP2570834B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2570834B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2570834B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a holding fixture (71) for holding at least one cable (72) with an affixing member (1) and a clamping member (40). In order to ensure that the clamping member (40) and the affixing member (1) are arranged in a holding position (H), in which the cable (72) is securely held, the invention provides that the holding fixture (71) is provided with an indicator element (77, 78) that is at least sectionwise laterally shielded by the clamping member (40), if the clamping member (40) is arranged before its holding position (H), and that is arranged in an indication position (I), in which it can easily be perceived, if the the clamping member (40) is arranged in its holding position (H).