Cable Support Fastening Clip With Bendable Side-Rail Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening systems for cable carriers require increased assembly effort and precise tolerance matching between cable carriers and support devices, with limited adaptability to different side rail geometries, especially in terms of height and width.

Innovation Solution

A fastening clip with a bending section that can be bent over the upper end of the cable carrier's side wall during assembly, allowing adaptation to various side wall geometries, featuring a support section that engages with the carrying device and a bending section that is designed to transmit tensile forces while being plastically deformed for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fastening systems with C-shaped or U-shaped brackets are used, then the cable carrier can be attached to the support structure, but the assembly effort increases and precise tolerances are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening clip is divided into functionally distinct sections: a support section for engaging the support device and a bending section for securing to the cable carrier side rail. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally, with the support section providing stable mounting and the bending section enabling simple plastic deformation for attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening clip utilizes plastic deformation of the bending section to change its shape permanently during assembly, transforming it from a straight configuration to a bent configuration that secures the cable carrier. This parameter change eliminates the need for elastic restoration forces and complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional fastening elements are used, then attachment is achieved, but adaptability to different side rail geometries is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidadaptability to different geometries
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bending section is designed to accommodate different side rail geometries by varying the bend angle and position during assembly. The plastic deformation allows the same fastening clip design to adapt to different heights and widths of cable carrier side rails without requiring multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening clip is designed as a universal component that can attach to various cable carrier geometries through the adaptable bending section. The support section provides consistent engagement with the support device while the bending section adjusts to different side rail configurations, making the same clip design applicable across multiple applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If precise tolerance matching is required between cable carriers and support devices, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidtolerance requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plastic deformation of the bending section absorbs dimensional variations and tolerance deviations between the support device and cable carrier side rail. By allowing permanent shape change during assembly, the system accommodates a wider range of dimensions without requiring precise pre-matching of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening function is extracted from a rigid, precision-matched connection and transferred to a plastic deformation process. This separates the support function (handled by the support section with standard tolerances) from the securing function (handled by the bending section through plastic deformation), reducing overall tolerance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables simplified and secure fastening of cable carriers to carrying devices, preventing movement or tilting, and accommodating different cable carrier geometries without the need for complex adaptations, ensuring stable and reliable attachment across various side rail configurations.

Implementation Method 1

bent over an upper end of the long element under plastic deformation when the support section engages in or under the support device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4270695A1Fastening clip for a longitudinal element, in particular a cable support system and cable support system with such a fastening clip
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 OBO BETTERMANN PRODUKTION DEUTSCHLAND GMBH & CO KG (100 00)
  • EP4270695A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4270695A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4270695A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a fastening clamp 1 for a support system with a support device 3 carrying a long element, for example a cable carrier 2, 2a, wherein the fastening clamp 1 has a hook section 4 with a support section 6, 7 projecting therefrom for engaging in or under the support device 3, which support section 6, 7 is designed for positively interlocking support of the fastening clamp 1 on the support device 3 in the clamp direction 8, wherein the fastening clamp 1 has a bending section 5 which is aligned at least partially with the support section 6, 7 in the intended clamp direction 8 of the fastening clamp 1 and is bent under plastic deformation over an upper termination 14, 14.1 of the long element when mounting a long element to a support device 3 with the support section 6, 7 engaging in or under the support device 3.A special feature is that the support section 6, 7 projects from the hook section 4 transversely to the intended bend of the bending section 5.