Cable Lacing Tie Device High Temperature Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable lacing methods, particularly in aerospace and high-temperature environments, face challenges with the durability and safety of plastic molded cable ties, which can lose structural integrity at elevated temperatures and require high insertion forces, and manual labor-intensive processes for cable lacing tapes that may unravel when cut.
Innovation Solution
The development of cable lacing tie devices featuring a low-profile head assembly with a braided filament element and a retainer that hooks or compresses the cable lacing tape to prevent movement, allowing for easy insertion and secure bundling without damaging the tape, and a method for rapid and secure installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If molded plastic cable ties are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates at elevated temperatures due to creep and loss of structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tie combines a thermoplastic strap with a metal locking element (pawl or barb). The thermoplastic provides ease of molding and installation, while the metal component provides temperature-resistant reliability and maintains locking strength at elevated temperatures up to 400°F.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the locking element from plastic to metal, which fundamentally alters the temperature resistance parameter. The metal locking element maintains its mechanical properties at high temperatures where thermoplastic would creep or deform.
2Reliability
If a metal pawl or barb is used to increase retention at elevated temperatures, then reliability is improved, but insertion force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tie applies local quality by using a soft thermoplastic strap for the insertion portion that requires low force, while using a hard metal locking element at the buckles where high retention is needed. This localized material selection optimizes both insertion ease and high-temperature retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tie system is segmented into two functional parts: the strap portion for insertion and the locking element for retention. Each part is optimized independently - the strap for low insertion force and the metal locking element for high-temperature reliability.
3Reliability
If cable lacing tape is used, then reliability at high temperatures is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to labor-intensive manual tying
Solution Approach 1:
The cable lacing tie device is self-service in that it automatically forms a secure knot when the free end is pulled through the buckle. The serrated engagement and locking mechanisms automatically secure the bundle without requiring manual knot-tying skills or time-consuming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual knot-tying mechanical process with an automated snap-fit engagement system. The cable tie uses a buckle with passageways and serrated surfaces that automatically lock when the strap is pulled through, substituting complex manual manipulation with simple insertion and pull-through actions.
4Reliability
If a serrated locking mechanism is used, then retention is improved, but the strap strength is reduced due to cutting or bighting
Solution Approach 1:
The serrations are localized only on the locking surfaces of the buckle and strap that engage with each other, while the main body of the strap remains smooth and undamaged. This localized serration approach provides strong locking engagement without compromising the overall structural integrity and tensile strength of the strap.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable lacing tie device (610) comprises a cable lacing tape (614) and a head assembly (612). A body (616) of the head assembly has a passageway (638) including a recess (646) in which the cable lacing tape (614) can be located. A retainer (618) in the form of a pivotal compression member is pivotally coupled to the body (616). In its unlocked, ready position, the retainer (618) permits insertion of an end of the cable lacing tape (614) through the passageway (638) in the body (616) from an entrance opening (640) to an exit opening (642) and routable over a base portion (690) of the retainer, through an opening (697) in the retainer (618), and around a handle portion (694) of the retainer. In the locked position, the path of the cable lacing tape (614) through the body (616) and the retainer (618) causes the retainer to act as a cam latch mechanism.