Curved Cable Fastener Geometry for Secure Multi-Size Clamping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fastening elements are not versatile enough to securely fasten objects of different shapes and sizes to various surfaces, particularly failing to accommodate objects like cables, pipes, and connectors without play or mechanical stress.

Innovation Solution

A fastening element with multiple support surfaces of varying curvature and adjustable stops, combined with a Velcro tape system, allows for secure attachment of elongated objects by accommodating different diameters and sizes, and includes a recess for cable strain relief and adjustable fixing tape length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fastening element uses a single curvature support surface, then it can securely fasten objects of a specific size, but it cannot accommodate objects of different sizes without play or mechanical stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different object sizesVSAvoidsecure fastening without play
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support surface is segmented into multiple zones with different curvatures (first curvature radius for the first region, second curvature radius for the second region). This segmentation allows different portions of elongated objects with different diameters to rest on different curvature zones, enabling secure fastening of objects varying in size without creating play or mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the support surface are assigned different local geometric qualities (curvature radii). The first region has a first curvature radius optimized for smaller objects, while the second region has a second curvature radius optimized for larger objects. This local differentiation of geometric properties enables the single fastening element to adapt to multiple object sizes while maintaining reliable contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fastening element is designed for specific object sizes, then it provides secure fastening, but it lacks versatility for different shapes and sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening of diverse objectsVSAvoidmultiple fastening elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element is designed with universal applicability through its support surface featuring multiple curvature regions. This single element can fasten diverse elongated objects (cables, pipes, conduits) of varying diameters and shapes by allowing different portions of the object to contact different curvature zones, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fastening elements and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If the support surface has uniform curvature, then the structure is simple, but it creates play or stress for objects of varying diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimple structureVSAvoidfit without play or stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support surface incorporates varying curvature radii across different regions, creating a dynamic geometric profile that adapts to objects of different diameters. This dynamic variation in curvature allows the support surface to conform to various object sizes, achieving precise fit without play or stress while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through systematic geometric design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables secure fastening of diverse objects on different surfaces without play, accommodating various sizes and shapes, while ensuring strain relief for cables and resistance to high accelerations, thus enhancing versatility and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

The support surface can be formed from at least two differently curved support surfaces and/or have at least two such support surfaces. In particular, the support surfaces can each be formed as a partial surface of a cylinder with a cylinder radius corresponding to one of the at least two different support arc radii.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometry: Geometry

Implementation Method 2

The fastening element has a stop for securing the object against displacement along at least one loading direction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

The fixing tape can be and/or comprise a hook-and-loop fastener.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHook and loop fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3772788B1Fastening element and fastening system
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 HEBOTEC
  • EP3772788B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3772788B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3772788B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The invention relates to a fastening element (12) for the detachable fastening of at least one elongated object to a substrate (24), comprising a base (26) attachable to the substrate (24), wherein the base (26) has a curved support surface (28) for the object and wherein the base (26) has a fixing strap receptacle (32) for receiving a fixing strap (14) with which the object can be detachably fastened to the support surface (28). It is characterized in that the support surface (28) has at least two circular arcs with different arc radii (R1, R2) in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the base (26) and/or that the fastening element (12) has a stop (30) for fixing the object against displacement along at least one load direction (B).Furthermore, a fastening system (10) comprising two fastening elements (12) is proposed, as well as the use of the fastening element (12) and/or the fastening system (10) on and/or in a drag chain. The invention allows different objects to be securely fastened and used on different substrates (24) using one or more identical fastening elements (12) or fastening systems (10).