Cable Tie Support Member for Packaging Force Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable ties often damage paper-based packaging due to concentrated retentive force, leading to tearing or deformation, which can result in the loosening or disassociation of secured articles, and existing solutions increase packaging costs by requiring additional materials or components.
Innovation Solution
A cable tie design featuring a support member with a backing plate pivotally coupled to the head through a flexible neck, dispersing the retentive force across a broader region of contact by expanding the surface area of contact with the packaging, thereby reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cable ties are used to secure articles to packaging, then the article is reliably secured, but the packaging is damaged due to concentrated retentive force
Solution Approach 1:
A support member is introduced as an intermediary component between the cable tie and the packaging. This support member has a larger surface area than the cable tie's contact area, allowing it to distribute the retentive force across a broader region of the packaging, thereby preventing localized damage while maintaining secure attachment of the article.
2Reliability
If the retentive force is increased to improve security, then the article is more securely retained, but the packaging is more likely to tear or deform
Solution Approach 1:
The force distribution function is segmented between two components: the cable tie provides the retentive force to secure the article, while the support member segments and distributes this force across a larger area of the packaging. This segmentation allows the cable tie to maintain high retentive force while the support member protects the packaging from concentrated stress.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional components are added to prevent packaging damage, then the packaging is protected, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is integrated with the cable tie assembly, forming a combined unit that provides both securing and protective functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate protective components, reducing overall complexity and manufacturing cost while effectively preventing packaging damage through distributed force application.
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 cable tie effectively secures articles to packaging without causing damage by distributing the retentive force, maintaining the article's association with the packaging while being inexpensive to manufacture and simple to use.
Implementation Method 1
a support member formed onto the head, the support member comprising a backing plate pivotally coupled to the head through a flexible neck
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A unitary, plastic cable tie for use in securing an article to packaging includes an elongated, serrated strap and a support member that extend orthogonally out from opposing surfaces of an apertured head. The support member includes an enlarged, planar backing plate pivotally connected to the head through a flexible, tabular neck. In use, the cable tie is folded through the neck such that the backing plate overlies the rear wall of the head. The strap is then inserted through both a fitted slot in the backing plate and a first opening in the packaging, wrapped transversely across the article, disposed through both an enlarged opening in the backing plate and a second opening in the packaging, and into engagement with the head. In this manner, the retentive force applied by the cable tie onto the packaging is dispersed evenly across the relatively large surface area of the backing plate.