Cable Tie Fixing With Cutting Guide for Safe Rework Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cable tie mount fixings make it difficult to cut off cable ties without damaging attached components, as the process can be cumbersome and time-consuming, especially during rework or installation processes.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of fixings with cutting guides, which include flanges and receivers configured to elevate the cable tie and provide a guided channel for cutting tools, protecting the components and simplifying the cutting process by defining a cut zone that bridges the cable tie, allowing for precise cutting without direct contact with the components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional cable tie mount fixings are used, then the cable tie can be secured to the workpiece, but the cutting process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming with high risk of damaging attached components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable tie cutting processVSAvoidtime required for cutting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting guide is pre-integrated into the fixing body structure, with flanges and receivers positioned in advance to guide the cutting tool. This preliminary arrangement of cutting guidance elements eliminates the need for external guides or complex manual positioning during the cutting operation, making the process straightforward and time-efficient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting guide acts as an intermediary element between the cutting tool and the cable tie. The flanges and receivers create a guided channel that mediates the cutting action, ensuring the tool follows the correct path and cuts the cable tie at the precise location without requiring direct operator skill or external assistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional cable tie mount fixings are used, then the cable tie can be secured to the workpiece, but the risk of damaging components during cutting increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent protection during cuttingVSAvoiddamage risk to components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting guide serves as a protective intermediary that separates the cutting tool's harmful action from the attached components. The flanges and receivers create a physical barrier and guided path that ensures the cutting tool only contacts the cable tie within the defined cut zone, preventing accidental contact with and damage to the components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting guide structure proactively prevents damage by establishing a predetermined cutting path before the cutting action occurs. The flanges and receivers are positioned to anticipate and guide the cutting tool away from components, creating a protective effect in advance rather than reacting to potential damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Manufacturing precision

If manual cutting without guidance is used, then the cutting process can be performed, but precision and accuracy of the cut are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidcutting guide structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting guide provides localized precision features (flanges and receivers) only at the specific location where cutting guidance is needed, rather than making the entire fixing structure complex. The flanges create a defined cut zone and the receivers guide the tool path precisely where required, while the rest of the fixing body remains simple and uncluttered

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting guide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the flanges define the cut zone boundaries, the receivers guide the cutting tool path, and the overall structure protects components from damage. This multi-functionality achieves high cutting precision without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby avoiding excessive complexity

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

Data Source

PatentEP4455493A1Fixings with cutting guides
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 HELLERMANNTYTON CORP
  • EP4455493A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4455493A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4455493A1 patent drawingFigure 2E~2F

AI summary

A fixing with a cutting guide may include a body section configured to mount on a workpiece, an object support configured to support a component, and a tie aperture configured to receive a cable tie. The object support includes a support arm that includes an outer surface, a first flange that extends from the outer surface along a first flange axis, a second flange that extends from the outer surface parallel to the first flange and spaced apart from the first flange, and a third flange that extends from the outer surface parallel to the first and second flanges. The third flange is positioned between the first and second flanges and is spaced apart from the first and second flanges. A first receiver is defined between the first and third flanges and a second receiver is defined between the second and third flanges.