Channel Mount Fixings for Reworkable Stacked Cable Routing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cable management systems require time-consuming and labor-intensive processes for reworking and updating cable bundles, often resulting in damage to cables due to the need for frequent cutting and re-attachment of cable ties in congested environments.

Innovation Solution

The channel mount fixings provide a system for securely holding elongated articles in parallel paths without the use of cable ties during installation, allowing for easier rework and routing by using a cradle mechanism with a cable tie pass-thru and retainer arm, which reduces the need for temporary strap material and minimizes cable damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cable ties are used to secure multiple wires in congested cable pathways, then the cables can be bundled and organized, but the rework process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive, and cable damage may occur during cutting and re-attachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable organizationVSAvoidrework efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management system is divided into modular channel sections that can be independently installed, removed, and reconfigured. Each channel segment can be separately manipulated during rework without affecting the entire cable bundle, allowing technicians to access and modify specific sections without cutting cable ties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable ties are extracted from the cable bundle and replaced with a channel structure that inherently holds cables in place. The channel mount fixings and stacking channels provide structural support and organization without requiring external cable ties, eliminating the need to cut and re-attach ties during rework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional mounting systems are used, then installation is simple with available components, but multiple cable ties are required for multiple routes, increasing installation time and complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent availabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple cable routing functions are merged into a single integrated channel structure. The stacking channels can accommodate multiple cable routes simultaneously within one continuous channel, eliminating the need for multiple separate cable ties and mounting operations. The channel mount fixings provide a unified attachment system that secures the entire channel assembly in one operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Cables are pre-organized and routed through the channel structure before final installation. The channel mount fixings are pre-positioned on the workpiece, and cables are threaded through the channel during installation rather than being bundled afterward with cable ties. This preliminary routing through the channel structure reduces on-site installation time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If cable bundles are created with multiple cable ties in congested spaces, then cables can be secured, but the interwoven bundles are difficult to rework and update

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable bundle securityVSAvoidcable reworkability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cable management system transitions from a static cable tie configuration to a dynamic channel structure that allows easy adjustment. Cables can be added, removed, or repositioned by simply opening the channel mount fixings and manipulating cables within the channel, rather than cutting and re-tying fixed cable bundles. The system adapts to rework requirements without compromising cable security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The channel structure serves as an intermediary between the workpiece and the cables. Instead of cable ties directly constraining cables in fixed positions, the channel provides a flexible intermediate structure that holds cables securely while allowing easy access and manipulation during rework. The channel mount fixings act as a mediator that secures the channel to the workpiece while permitting cable flexibility within the channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4468539A1Channel mount fixings for the stacked mounting of elongated articles
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 HELLERMANNTYTON CORP
  • EP4468539A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4468539A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4468539A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Disclosed in this publication are channel mount fixings for the stacked mounting of elongated articles. In one implementation, a channel mount fixing includes a body section, a mount, and an object support. The body section is configured to position an elongated article adjacent to a workpiece. The mount is configured to attach to the workpiece. The object support is configured to support the article. The object support and body section define a channel therebetween that is configured to receive the article. The object support includes a block, a stand-off member, and a retainer arm. The block is configured to attach to the article via a cable tie and defines a cable tie pass-thru therethrough that is configured to receive the cable tie. The stand-off member is configured to space the block apart from the body section. The retainer arm is configured to retain the article in the channel.