Cable Marking Device Dual Fastening Hinge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marking devices with flexible hinges often break when frequently used, especially when made of brittle materials like polycarbonate, leading to unreliable attachment to cables of varying diameters, and are not adaptable for different line sizes.
Innovation Solution
The device features first and second fastening means on the outer and inner sides, respectively, allowing for secure attachment without relying on the hinge for closure, along with an elastic tongue that narrows the channel for improved grip on cables of different diameters, enhancing stability and preventing slippage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the marking device is made of brittle polycarbonate for easy marking, then marking compatibility is improved, but hinge reliability deteriorates due to frequent pivoting causing breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides instructions to users about the limited number of pivoting movements the hinge can withstand and advises against excessive opening/closing. This prepares users in advance for the hinge's fragility, managing expectations and preventing misuse that would lead to breakage.
2Reliability
If the hinge is made more robust to prevent breakage, then hinge reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and handling becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent accepts the hinge's inherent fragility and compensates through user education and operational guidelines rather than attempting to reinforce the hinge structure. This avoids increasing device complexity while maintaining reliability through proper usage practices.
3Reliability
If the marking device is designed to enclose the cable completely for secure attachment, then attachment reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The marking device is divided into two separable parts connected by a hinge, allowing the device to be opened for cable insertion and closed for secure attachment. The fastening elements are also segmented into multiple independent components that can be engaged or disengaged separately, simplifying the operation of securing the device to the cable.
4Reliability
If the marking device is designed for cables of specific diameter for secure fit, then attachment reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates for different line sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The marking device incorporates flexible elements that can adapt their shape and size to accommodate cables of different diameters. The hinge allows the two parts to pivot and adjust to various cable sizes, while the fastening elements can engage at different positions to maintain secure attachment regardless of the 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 ensures the marking device remains securely attached to cables of various diameters, reduces stress on the hinge, and increases handling ease, even when made from brittle materials, while maintaining stability and preventing slippage.
Implementation Method 1
The tongue is arranged in an opening extending from the inside to an outside facing away from the inside and is integrally formed at an edge of the opening. By narrowing the cross-section of the receiving channel with the free end of the tongue, the marking device is suitable for cables of different diameters. Cables with a larger diameter push the free end of the tongue outwards. The elastic restoring force presses the free end of the tongue against the cable located in the receiving channel, so that the marking device is held against the cable by friction and slippage is made more difficult.
Implementation Method 2
The elastic restoring force presses the free end of the tongue against the cable located in the receiving channel, so that the marking device is held against the cable by friction and slippage is made more difficult.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a marking device (10) for an elongated conductor, in particular for a cable (30), comprising two integrally connected plastic parts (12, 14) joined to one another by means of a flexible hinge section (16), each having a contour (22) on an inner side (20) for contact with the conductor (30), wherein at least one first part (12) has a marking surface (26) on its outer side (24) facing away from the inner side (20) for applying a marking, wherein the two parts (12, 14) can be pivoted relative to each other by bending the hinge section (16) between a closed position, in which they completely enclose a receiving channel (28) for the conductor (30), and an open position, in which they are spaced apart from each other on their outer longitudinal sides (42) facing away from the hinge section (16).and wherein the two parts each have first fastening means (40) on their outer longitudinal sides (42) for releasable attachment to one another. According to the invention, it is provided that the two parts (12, 14) each have second fastening means (50) on their inner longitudinal sides (48) adjacent to the hinge portion (16) for releasable attachment to one another.