Clove Hitch Fixture for Lightweight Wire Bundle Tying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing wire bundles, such as using cable ties, add weight to systems like aircraft, increasing fuel consumption and reducing range, while knots like the clove hitch can be time-consuming and difficult to tie.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fixture with a circumferential groove and a lead member supply mechanism that facilitates the tying of a knot, such as a clove hitch, by feeding and withdrawing a lead member to efficiently form a secure knot with a string, reducing the need for heavy cable ties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable ties are used to secure wire bundles, then the wire bundle is securely retained, but the overall weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent cable ties with disposable string that is tied in knots to secure wire bundles. The string is intentionally chosen to be lightweight and sacrificial, meant to be replaced periodically rather than designed for long-term permanent use like cable ties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from heavy plastic cable ties to lightweight natural or synthetic string. This parameter change in material selection directly reduces weight while maintaining the securing function through knotting mechanisms.
2Weight of moving object
If knots like clove hitch are used to secure wire bundles, then the overall weight of the system is reduced, but the time required to tie the knot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-formed eyes or loops at the ends of the string, which are prepared in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need to tie complex knots from scratch during assembly, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the knot-tying process into segmented, simplified steps using pre-formed eyes that guide the string through specific paths. This segmentation of the securing mechanism into discrete attachment points and routing paths makes the process faster and more repeatable.
3Weight of moving object
If knots like clove hitch are used to secure wire bundles, then the overall weight of the system is reduced, but the difficulty of tying the knot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pre-formed eyes or loops as intermediary elements that simplify the knot-tying process. These pre-formed features act as mediators between the string and the wire bundle, providing fixed attachment points that guide the string through predetermined paths, making the operation easier and more consistent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the string with self-aligning features such as pre-formed eyes and directional routing paths that guide the installer through the correct knot configuration automatically. This self-service design reduces the skill level required and makes the process more intuitive.
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
A system, device (14) and method to facilitate tying a knot (12) are provided. In the context of a device, the device includes a fixture (16) defining an internal passage (18) therethrough. The fixture (16) defines a circumferential groove (28) opening through an interior surface (30) of the fixture (16) and into the internal passage (18). The groove (28) includes first and second groove portions (38, 40) that cross one another. Opposite ends (28a, 28b) of the groove (28) are coincident and open through an exterior surface of the fixture (16). With relation to a system, the system includes a fixture (16) and a lead member supply mechanism (52) configured to alternately feed a lead member (54) through the groove (28) and to withdraw the lead member (54) from the groove (28) once the tie member (56) is connected thereto.