Cable Tie Device with Non-Circular Spindle Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for tightening and locking metal or fabric bands around pipes and cables, such as cable ties and cleats, often fail to securely hold cables during high-force events like short-circuits, leading to damage, and require frequent wall fixings that are not adequately spaced for high short-circuit containment.
Innovation Solution
A retaining device with a strap and spindle mechanism, featuring a non-circular section and matching aperture for locking, which allows the strap to be tightened around cables and locked in place using a locking nut, providing robustness and resistance to vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid base member with frequent wall fixings is used, then cable containment strength is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional parts: a frame member that attaches to the wall at spaced intervals, and a separate strap member that provides continuous cable containment between wall fixings. This segmentation allows the wall fixings to be spaced farther apart while maintaining overall cable containment strength through the strap's tensioning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap is pre-formed with a loop configuration that can be easily engaged with the frame member. The loop design allows for preliminary attachment without requiring complex fastening operations at each wall fixing point, simplifying installation while maintaining containment integrity.
2Ease of operation
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability under high-force conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spindle member features a non-circular cross-section that corresponds to a non-circular aperture in the frame member. This asymmetric geometry provides inherent anti-rotation capability, ensuring the spindle remains securely locked in the tightened position even under high-force short-circuit conditions, while still allowing easy tightening through rotational motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate geometric feature (non-circular cross-section) rather than requiring a complex mechanical lock. This simple yet effective approach provides reliable positioning without adding operational complexity.
3Reliability
If a non-circular spindle section is used for locking, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The non-circular cross-section (such as square or rectangular) provides clear geometric definition for both the spindle and the corresponding aperture in the frame member. This asymmetric geometry naturally defines engagement boundaries, making it tolerant to reasonable manufacturing variations while ensuring reliable anti-rotation locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-circular cross-section is applied only to the specific portion of the spindle that engages with the frame member, while other portions of the spindle can have different geometries optimized for their specific functions (such as circular sections for rotational tightening). This localized application of asymmetric geometry minimizes overall manufacturing complexity.
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 effectively secures cables by providing a strong, vibration-resistant locking mechanism that can withstand high short-circuit forces without the need for frequent wall fixings, ensuring cable integrity and reducing damage.
Implementation Method 1
the spindle being displaceable along its length with respect to the frame so that the non-circular section engages in the corresponding aperture when it is desired to lock it against rotation
Implementation Method 2
the locking mechanism is constituted at least in part by a non-circular section of the spindle and a matching non-circular aperture in the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A device for holding together elongate objects such as high-power electrical cables has a frame (30), a strap (12) designed to be fixed at one end to the device and to pass round the cables back to the device with its other end, a spindle (20) rotatably mounted in the frame so as to be generally parallel to the elongate objects in use, the other end of the strap being attachable to the spindle once passed round the cables, and then wound round the spindle by turning the latter in order to tighten the strap round the objects; and a locking mechanism constituted by at least one non-circular section of the spindle (20) and a matching non-circular aperture (33) in the frame, and by the spindle being displaceable along its length with respect to the frame by tightening a locknut (22) so that the non-circular section engages in the corresponding aperture when it is desired to lock it against rotation.