Two-Component Cable Retainer with Saddle-Shaped Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex electrical supply systems, particularly in aircraft, there is a need for a device that effectively supports and retains cable or wire bundles within open channels while minimizing the risk of chafing or damage, especially during assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A two-component device comprising a support part with an elongate recess and a transverse cable tie bar, and a base part with a securing mechanism, allowing for secure attachment to the channel floor, ensuring the cable tie can pass through both parts to secure the bundle, with a saddle-shaped design to prevent edge contact and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wires are retained in open channels, then access and maintenance are facilitated, but additional means must be provided to retain the wires within the channels
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is divided into two separate components: a support part that provides the retaining surface and a base part that secures to the channel floor. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity of the retention system.
Solution Approach 2:
The support part features a self-aligning design where the elongate recess and cable tie bar automatically guide and position the cable tie during installation, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms or additional adjustment means.
2Reliability
If a cable tie secures the bundle through both parts, then stability is maintained even if one part is damaged, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cable tie is routed through both the support part and base part, creating redundant retention paths. This ensures that if one component fails or becomes loose, the cable tie continues to secure the wire bundle through the other component, providing fail-safe protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The support part and base part are designed to work together as an integrated retention system, with the cable tie passing through both components to combine their retention functions into a single secure connection point.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the support surface is saddle-shaped, then edge contact and damage are prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support part features a saddle-shaped support surface with continuous curved geometry that eliminates sharp edges and corners. This curved surface conformally contacts the wire bundle, distributing pressure evenly and preventing chafing or damage to the wires during installation and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface geometry is designed with specific curvature parameters that optimize both wire protection and manufacturability. The saddle shape transitions smoothly from the edges to the center, with controlled radius variations that prevent stress concentration points while remaining compatible with standard molding processes.
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 device securely retains wire bundles, reduces the risk of chafing, and facilitates easy access and maintenance by ensuring the cable tie anchors the bundle to both parts, maintaining stability even if one part is damaged.
Implementation Method 1
The base part having a base with means for securing it to the floor of a cable channel, the support part being securable to the base part, for example by means of a friction or snap fit
Data Source
AI summary
A two-component device for supporting and retaining a cable or wire bundle in a channel comprises support part with a support surface in which is formed an elongate recess for a cable tie. The upper part lifts on to a lower part and it secured to the floor of the channel, by means of rivets or the like. The support part has an integral tie bar extending across the elongate recess. The lower part has a corresponding tie bar extending across it, between opposed side walls of the lower part. With the wire bundle in place, the cable tie is passed around it and through the recess, passing under the respective tie bars and secured at to hold the bundle in place against the support, at the same time holding the two parts of the support together.