Cable Strap Barb Locking for Long-Term Bundle Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable bundling systems fail to maintain the secure bundling of cables over time due to the loosening of flexible straps under the weight of the cables, particularly in difficult-to-access locations like ceilings, leading to maintenance challenges.
Innovation Solution
A cable bundling system featuring a base with a barb that pierces a medial portion of a strap when displaced in a specific direction, creating a secure locking mechanism that prevents loosening, utilizing a strap with a longitudinal groove and a barb with a piercing portion to ensure the strap remains securely attached to the base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible strap is used for cable bundling, then the strap can be easily installed and adapted to cable bundles, but over time the weight of the cables causes the locking members to fail and the strap to loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a barb element for piercing and anchoring, and a separate locking member that engages with the barb. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide both ease of installation and long-term reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The barb element is pre-formed and positioned to pierce the strap during the initial tightening action. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the locking member engages, the barb is already in place to prevent loosening, combining the ease of a simple pulling motion with the reliability of a pre-positioned anchoring element.
2Ease of operation
If a flexible strap with locking members is used, then the strap can be easily tightened around cables, but the locking members fail over time allowing the strap to loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The barb element acts as an intermediary between the locking member and the strap. It pierces the strap to create an anchoring point that the locking member then engages with, providing a stable mechanical connection that prevents loosening while maintaining the simplicity of the tightening operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional planar engagement to a three-dimensional anchoring system. The barb pierces through the strap in the third dimension, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents loosening while the locking member provides the ease of operation through simple engagement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cable bundling systems are installed in ceilings or difficult-to-access locations, then the cables can be secured in those locations, but repairing the bundling system proves difficult when loosening occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The barb element automatically pierces the strap during the tightening process and remains embedded to prevent loosening. This self-anchoring mechanism eliminates the need for complex locking procedures during maintenance, allowing workers to simply replace or adjust straps in difficult-to-access locations without requiring specialized tools or procedures.
4Ease of operation
If the strap is made flexible for easy wrapping, then the strap can be easily positioned around cables, but the flexibility causes the locking members to fail under cable weight
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system combines materials with different properties: the flexible strap material for ease of positioning, and the barb element material (typically a more rigid polymer or metal) for providing strong anchoring. This composite approach allows each component to contribute its optimal properties to the overall system performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cable bundling system (100) is disclosed. The cable bundling system includes a base (150) having an opening (162) extending through the base; a barb (180) supported by the base and extending at least partially across the opening; and a strap (110) adapted to be advanced through the opening in a first direction (A). When the strap is displaced in a second direction (B) opposite the first direction, the barb pierces a medial portion (132) of the strap such that the barb contacts the base. The strap can include a longitudinal groove (130) extending a length of the strap, and the barb has a piercing portion (184) opposite a supported portion (186). The piercing portion can pierce the medial portion of the strap.