Cable Keeper Hook and Clamping Mechanism for Axial Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Loose connections between cables and ports often result in cables being easily pulled out or disconnected due to axial forces, necessitating a reliable cable retention solution.
Innovation Solution
A cable retention assembly comprising a housing with a clamping mechanism and a hook system, where the hook is coupled to the housing via a fastener, providing a secure engagement with the cable aperture and a catch-and-release mechanism for enhanced retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a loose plug and port connection is used, then the cable can be easily inserted and removed, but the cable may be pulled out or disconnected by small axial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The cable retention assembly employs a dynamic clamping mechanism with a compressible element that adapts to the cable diameter and applies continuous radial pressure. The clamp can dynamically adjust its gripping force while maintaining a secure connection, allowing the system to transition between a loose insertion state and a tightly retained state
Solution Approach 2:
The retention assembly is divided into separate functional components: a housing, a clamp mechanism, and a compressible element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the housing provides structure, the clamp provides adjustable gripping force, and the compressible element provides adaptive pressure distribution
2Reliability
If a cable retention device is added to secure the cable, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated unit: the housing serves as both the structural container and the mounting interface, the clamp combines the gripping mechanism with the compression element, and the entire assembly attaches to the port housing as one component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible element automatically adjusts to the cable's dimensions and applies the appropriate gripping force without external intervention. The spring-loaded or elastomeric nature of the compression element allows it to self-regulate the clamping force based on the cable's physical properties
Data Source
AI summary
A cable retention assembly comprising a housing defining a cable aperture extending axially through the housing and a retention aperture extending from an outside surface of the housing through the housing and opening into the cable aperture. A clamping mechanism may be disposed within the retention aperture. A hook may have an insert and a lip. The hook may be coupled to the housing via the clamping mechanism. The cable retention assembly according to the present invention can be used with all known cables including, but not limited to, USB cables.