Configurable Strain Relief Plate Assembly for Interface Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional strain relief plates for interface devices lack configurability, limiting their ability to accommodate various sizes and shapes of wires and cables effectively, and do not allow for easy adjustment or customization to meet user-specific needs.
Innovation Solution
A configurable strain relief plate assembly featuring a bracket member with a support member and removably connected tie down plates, which can be adjusted in number, size, and placement using screws or other connectors, allowing for flexible attachment to an interface module and secure connection of wires or cables using zip ties or clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a unitary structure strain relief plate is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it lacks configurability and cannot accommodate various sizes and shapes of wires and cables effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The strain relief plate is divided into a bracket member and multiple separate tie down plates. The bracket member provides the mounting structure while the tie down plates can be selectively attached at different positions and configurations to accommodate various wire and cable arrangements, thereby achieving configurability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket member is designed with multiple mounting locations and the tie down plates can be positioned at different orientations (e.g., 90-degree rotations) to serve multiple functions. This universal design allows a single bracket structure to accommodate various sizes and shapes of wires and cables through different tie down plate configurations
2Ease of operation
If a fixed configuration strain relief plate is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it does not allow for easy adjustment or customization to meet user-specific needs
Solution Approach 1:
The tie down plates are designed to be removably mounted to the bracket member, allowing dynamic reconfiguration. Users can attach, detach, and reposition the tie down plates according to specific needs, providing ease of adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process for the individual components
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tie down plates are removably connected to the bracket member, then configurability and adaptability are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the strain relief plate into a bracket member and separate tie down plates, the system achieves configurability through modular assembly. The bracket member serves as the core structure while tie down plates are added only where needed, allowing customizability without requiring all components to be present in every configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket member includes specific mounting locations with holes positioned at various orientations (e.g., 90-degree rotations) to accommodate different wire and cable arrangements. This local quality enhancement at specific positions provides adaptability without requiring the entire structure to be complex
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable strain relief plate assembly having a bracket member having a pair of arms and a support member between the two arms. The support member has a plurality of holes for connecting a plurality of tie down plates. The assembly has one or more captive screws or other means for connecting the bracket member to an interface module. The assembly further has one or more tie down plates connected to the support member, for example, with screws. Each tie down plate has one or more holes for connecting wires or contacts to the tie down plate, for example, with one or more zip ties or clips.