Composite Cable Lacing Tie for High-Temperature Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable lacing tie devices face challenges such as high labor costs, labor-intensiveness, and material damage due to the need for manual knot tying and adhesive application, especially in high-temperature environments, where traditional cable ties lose structural integrity and require higher insertion forces, and existing automated solutions have drawbacks like unraveling and flammable materials.
Innovation Solution
A cable lacing tie device comprising a low-profile head assembly with a braided filament element retained through insert-molding, using materials like PEEK or PEI, and a retainer with protrusions that engage the filament to prevent movement without damaging it, allowing for easy installation and secure retention without adhesives, and accommodating high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional molded plastic cable ties are used, then installation is simple and quick, but they lose structural integrity at elevated temperatures above 400°F
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from thermoplastic to thermoset composite material, which fundamentally alters the temperature resistance characteristics while maintaining the cable tie structure and installation method
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials (thermoset matrix with reinforcement) to achieve both the structural integrity needed for high temperature applications and the flexibility required for cable bundling, combining properties that do not naturally coexist in single materials
2Reliability
If separately provided metal locking elements are used to increase retention at elevated temperatures, then temperature resistance improves, but insertion forces become unacceptably high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking element and strap into a single integrally molded composite component, eliminating the need for separate metal locking elements while achieving equivalent or superior retention through the composite material's inherent properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters of the strap and locking element to use thermoset composite material with appropriate mechanical properties, allowing the integrally molded structure to achieve high retention without requiring high insertion forces
3Reliability
If manual cable lacing with knot tying is used, then reliability in high-temperature environments improves, but labor costs and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the cable tie with self-locking features through its integrally molded composite structure, eliminating the need for manual knot tying while maintaining reliability in high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical knot-tying process with an integrally molded composite cable tie that uses material properties and geometric design to achieve automatic locking and retention
4Ease of manufacture
If molded plastic cable ties are used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but they present sharp edges that cause abrasion problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from thermoplastic to thermoset composite material, which inherently provides a non-abrasive surface while maintaining structural properties and manufacturability through molding processes
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 solution provides a rapid, secure, and cost-effective method for bundling wires, reducing material damage and labor costs, while maintaining structural integrity at elevated temperatures with minimal insertion force and avoiding the use of adhesives.
Implementation Method 1
a retainer adapted to retain a portion of the cable lacing tape extending from the head assembly
Implementation Method 2
A first portion, such as a first end of the length of cable lacing tape, is retained by the head assembly, for example by being routed through, or otherwise connected to or molded within a body of the head assembly through a process known as insert-molding
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Cable lacing tie devices and methods of using the same are disclosed. The cable lacing tie devices include a head assembly and a cable lacing tape. The head assembly being configured to retain a first portion of the cable lacing tape within the head assembly and having a length of the cable lacing tape extending from the head assembly. The head assembly further adapted to retain a second portion of the cable lacing tape extending from the head assembly. The methods of using the cable lacing tie devices to hold together a plurality of objects with a cable lacing tie device include retaining a first portion of a cable lacing tape in a head assembly, looping the cable lacing tape around the plurality of objects and retaining a second portion of the cable lacing tape within the head assembly.