Dispenser for cable support and method

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening methods for securing wires and cables to surfaces, such as staples and plastic clips, are cumbersome, prone to damaging the cables, and inefficient for multiple cable installations, with a need for a quick and damage-minimizing solution that can easily accommodate multiple cables and simplify the installation process.

Innovation Solution

A cable support system featuring inwardly-facing hook structures and a dispenser with parallel rails allows for easy installation and securement of cables, minimizing damage and enabling quick installation of multiple cables, with the dispenser facilitating the placement and removal of cable supports along a surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If staples are driven into the surface to secure cables, then cables can be fastened to the surface, but the cable may be damaged by staple prongs contacting it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable securityVSAvoidcable damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of driving staples outward from the surface (which risk contacting and damaging the cable), the invention uses inwardly-facing hook structures that receive the cable and then secure it to the surface. The hooks face inward toward the cable, allowing the cable to be inserted and then locked in place without risk of the fastening elements contacting and damaging the cable during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The inwardly-facing hook structures serve as an intermediary between the cable and the surface. Rather than directly driving fastening elements against the cable, the hooks mediate the connection by providing a secure receiving structure that holds the cable against the surface without direct contact from driving tools or fastening elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If plastic clips with outwardly-facing hook structures are used, then cable damage is reduced, but the cable can be pulled from the hook structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable damageVSAvoidcable retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the hook orientation compared to conventional plastic clips. Instead of outwardly-facing hooks that allow cable insertion but risk cable removal, the hooks face inward toward the cable. This inversion creates a retention mechanism where the cable is received and locked in place by the inwardly-facing hooks, preventing cable dislodgment while maintaining cable protection during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If individual staples or clips are installed manually, then cables can be secured, but the installation process is cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable fasteningVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple cable supports into a single integrated unit with a common mounting structure. Instead of installing individual staples or clips separately along the cable route, multiple cable supports are combined into one assembly that can be mounted simultaneously to the surface, significantly reducing installation time and effort while maintaining secure cable fastening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cable support structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a mounting mechanism (with outwardly-facing mounting hooks) and as a cable retention mechanism (with inwardly-facing hooks). This universal design eliminates the need for separate mounting and cable securing operations, streamlining the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple loose fasteners are carried and individually selected for installation, then cables can be fastened at various locations, but the process is cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cable supports are merged into a single integrated assembly that can be carried and installed as one unit. This eliminates the need to carry and individually select multiple loose fasteners, while the modular design of the assembly maintains flexibility for installation at various locations along the cable route.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9692214B2Dispenser for cable support and method

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 WOLFF MARK RICHARD

AI summary

A dispenser is disclosed for carrying and dispensing a cable support of the type having a pair of hook structures disposed on opposite sides of a central shaft. The dispenser comprises a plurality of rails extending in parallel, spaced-apart relationship to one another and joined to one another at respective proximal ends thereof. Each rail has a cantilevered distal end slidably receivable within one of the hook structures of the cable support. Each rail further has a cantilevered distal end to allow the cable support to be slidably removed from the rail along the distal end.