Cable Tie Tail Removal via Surface Slits and Twist
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing one-piece cable ties do not allow for easy removal of excess tail length without tools, and incorporating side slits to address this issue compromises the strength of the tie, as it reduces the load-bearing cross-sectional area.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece cable tie design featuring parallel teeth and recesses with exterior rails, and slits on the top and bottom surfaces that allow for easy removal by twisting or bending without affecting the tie's strength, as the slits are confined to these surfaces and do not interfere with the teeth or sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If side slits are cut into the cable tie to enable tail removal, then the tail can be detached without tools, but the cross-sectional area is significantly reduced and the tie cannot attain the same strength rating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating slits only in specific regions where the tail contacts the head, while preserving the full cross-sectional area in the load-bearing regions. The slits are positioned locally to facilitate tail removal through friction engagement, while the unslitted portions maintain the structural integrity and strength rating of the cable tie.
2Ease of operation
If side slits are placed in a one-piece cable tie, then tail removal becomes possible, but the load-bearing cross-sectional area is eroded and the tie becomes marginally useful
Solution Approach 1:
The slits are strategically positioned only in the regions where the tail interfaces with the head, creating localized friction zones that enable tail removal. The load-bearing regions of the tie remain unslitted, preserving the full cross-sectional area and ensuring the tie maintains its reliability and utility under tension.
3Reliability
If the tail is designed with ridges or teeth for pawl engagement, then the tie achieves proper ratchet engagement, but the cross-sectional area varies and side slits would compromise strength if aligned with recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions slits in the tail regions that correspond to the ridges or protrusions rather than the recesses, creating localized friction zones that enable tail removal without aligning slits with the load-bearing recess areas. This selective positioning maintains both ratchet engagement reliability and cross-sectional strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-piece design with a separate metal barb to a one-piece integrated design where the pawl is formed as part of the tie body. This dimensional integration allows the tail to have varying cross-sectional areas with ridges and recesses for ratchet engagement, while slits are positioned in non-critical regions to enable tail removal without compromising overall strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
A one-piece cable tie (10) includes a tail (12) which is configured with a plurality of slits or notches (28,30) therein. These slits (28,30) are in alignment with the recesses (24) in the tail (12) and extend no deeper than the depth of the recesses (24). Such slits (28,30) are designed to aid the use in removing the excess tail from the cable tie (10) once the tie has been tensioned around a bundle. The user first bends the tail so as to close the slits (28,30) in one side of the tie (10) and then twists the tie (10) about its longitudinal axis so as to separate the excess tail from the tie.