Cable Marking Device with Elastic Partition for Secure Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing marking devices for elongated objects, such as cables, face issues with material brittleness leading to detachment, complicated attachment of identification plates, and environmental degradation of inscriptions due to enclosed atmospheres, resulting in poor stability and durability.

Innovation Solution

A marking device composed of hard plastic and elastically deformable components, featuring a partition wall that spans the receiving channel with an opening for frictional attachment and an anchoring section for stability, allowing for secure attachment and preventing material separation even if the partition becomes brittle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an elastomeric material is used for the cable grommet, then the device can be easily attached to the cable by elastic deformation, but the material becomes brittle over time causing the grommet to fall off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment easeVSAvoidlong-term stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The marking device is divided into two separate components: a rigid plastic marking device body and a separate elastically deformable partition. The partition is inserted into the marking device through a breaking point, creating a segmented structure where each component performs its specific function independently. This segmentation allows the elastic partition to provide easy attachment while the rigid body maintains long-term structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines two different materials with complementary properties: rigid plastic (polycarbonate) for the marking device body providing stability and durability, and thermoplastic elastomer for the partition providing elastic deformation capability. This composite material approach allows both components to发挥 their respective advantages without the drawbacks of using a single material for both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the receiving channel is made narrow to hold identification plates securely, then the holding force is sufficient, but the plates can only be inserted with considerable force and the enclosed atmosphere degrades the lettering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forceVSAvoidinsertion ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The partition is designed with a breaking point that allows it to be separated from the marking device body during insertion. The partition is inserted first through the breaking point, creating space for the identification plate to be easily placed into the receiving channel without requiring excessive force. After insertion, the partition can be deformed elastically to secure the plate firmly in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition is designed to be dynamically deformable during the insertion process. It can be compressed or stretched to accommodate the identification plate during insertion, then returns to its original shape to provide secure holding force. This dynamic behavior allows easy insertion while maintaining strong holding capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If a deformable partition is arranged in the receiving channel to hold the device to the cable, then friction attachment is achieved, but forming the partition against an inner surface is not stable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefriction attachmentVSAvoidpartition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The partition is made of thermoplastic elastomer material that combines elastic deformability with structural stability. This material allows the partition to deform elastically for friction attachment while maintaining sufficient structural integrity and stability during operation. The material properties ensure both the friction attachment capability and the partition's compositional stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

The solution provides a stable and durable attachment to elongated objects, ensuring the marking device remains in place without slipping or falling, while allowing for easy labeling and maintaining inscription integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The partition's elastic restoring force keeps it in contact with the object, so that the marking device is held in place by friction and cannot slip.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The partition's elastic restoring force keeps it in contact with the object, so that the marking device is held in place by friction and cannot slip.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3373277B1Device for labelling an elongated object
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 MURRPLASTIK SYSTEMTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP3373277B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3373277B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2f
  • EP3373277B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (12, 112) for marking an elongated object, such as a cable (50), with a marking device (24) that surrounds a receiving channel (34) open to a front (30) and a rear (32) for the object (50) and has a marking area (26, 126) for applying a marking. According to the invention, at least one elastically deformable partition (36) is provided, which is connected to the marking device (24) in a material-bonded and/or form-fit manner, partially spans the receiving channel (34), and has an opening (38) for passing the object (50) through it, and the marking device (24) is made of a hard plastic material.