Detectable Cable Tie With Localized Metal Particles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cable ties are difficult to detect in product or process streams, especially in industries using sensitive detection equipment, and existing methods compromise the strength or integrity of the ties.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating metal particles and X-ray detectable compounds, such as barium sulfate, into the plastic material of cable ties to enhance detectability using multiple detection methods like X-ray, metal detection, sonar, and visual systems without compromising the strength or integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If metal particles are added to plastic resin to enhance detectability, then detectability by metal detectors and X-ray equipment is improved, but the strength and integrity of the cable tie may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedetectabilityVSAvoidstrength
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Metal particles are concentrated specifically at the cable tie ends where detection is most critical, rather than uniformly distributing them throughout the entire cable tie. This localized placement enhances detectability at the ends while minimizing the overall impact on the cable tie's structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cable tie is constructed as a composite material system combining plastic resin with dispersed metal particles. This composite structure leverages the detectability of metal particles while maintaining the structural properties of the plastic matrix, creating a material that satisfies both detection requirements and strength requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If metal particles are evenly distributed throughout the pre-molded material, then detectability is improved, but the cross-sectional area and strength are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedetectabilityVSAvoidcross-sectional area
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Metal particles are concentrated specifically at the cable tie ends where detection is most critical, rather than uniformly distributing them throughout the entire cable tie. This localized placement enhances detectability at the ends while minimizing the overall impact on the cable tie's structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of uniformly distributing metal particles throughout the entire cable tie, the invention applies metal particles only to specific regions (the ends) where detection is most needed. This partial application achieves the detection objective without the excessive metal content that would compromise overall strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If metal particles are exposed on the surface, then detectability is enhanced, but corrosion and deterioration occur reducing cable tie life

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedetectabilityVSAvoidcable tie life
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A clear coating layer is applied over the metal particles at the cable tie ends, forming a protective film that seals the metal particles from environmental exposure. This coating acts as a barrier against moisture and corrosive elements, preventing deterioration while maintaining the metal particles' detectability through the transparent coating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The clear coating serves as an intermediary layer between the metal particles and the external environment. It allows the metal particles to remain detectable while simultaneously protecting them from corrosive exposure, mediating between the conflicting requirements of detectability and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Cable ties can be easily detected using various detection systems without affecting their strength or operation, ensuring they can be reliably located and removed from product streams, reducing manufacturing costs and assembly time.

Implementation Method 1

Other systems employ metal detectors that use magnetic properties to detect the foreign material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic properties: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

Some of these systems employ X-ray equipment which identifies items having greater density

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray detection: X-Ray

Implementation Method 3

Sonar is also used to detect foreign matter as well as optics (photography) or other visual means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSonar: Sonar

Data Source

PatentUS7871693B2Detectable cable tie
Publication Date: 2011.01.18 THOMAS & BETTS INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A plastic cable tie and a method of making a plastic cable tie that can be detected by X-ray and metal detection devices as well as sonar, optical or visual detection devices. The cable ties are formed from a composition that includes metal particles; a compound; and a plastic material. The metal particles are preferably metal flakes and can be ferrous or non-ferrous materials. The compound can include iodine or barium, and is preferably barium sulfate. The plastic material can include a polypropylene, a polycarbonate, a polyethylene, a polyterephthalate (PET) or a polyamide.